FIA establishes FATF desks across all zones to improve international investigation standards

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established dedicated Financial Action Task Force (FATF) desks across all its operational zones and wings. This strategic expansion of the existing FATF secretariat at the Anti-Money Laundering Directorate is a proactive measure in preparation for the country's evaluation by the global anti-money laundering watchdog next year.

The primary objective of these new desks is to bolster the effective implementation of international standards concerning investigations into money laundering, terrorism financing, and related predicate offenses. A senior FIA official highlighted that this initiative is expected to significantly improve the quality of investigations and prosecutions, enhance data management, streamline the generation of international cooperation requests, and foster prompt inter-agency coordination and feedback mechanisms.

FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar has mandated that all zones and specialized wings establish these FATF desks within seven days, ensuring full compliance with international standards. The assessment by the FATF is anticipated in the last quarter of 2027. Each desk will be led by an officer of at least Assistant Director rank.

Pakistan's journey with the FATF has been notable. The country was placed on the grey list in August 2018 but was removed in October 2022 after successfully addressing a 27-point action plan. This exit improved Pakistan's standing with international financial institutions and boosted investor confidence, while also enhancing domestic regulatory and law enforcement capabilities in combating financial crimes.

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This significant step will also improve the quality of investigations and prosecutions, data maintenance, timely generation of international cooperation requests, prompt inter-agency coordination and effective feedback mechanisms.