The International Money Laundering Information Network (IMoLIN) is an organization that plays an active role in the fight against money laundering and helps those working in this field. A large part of AMLID's data is protected by confidentiality agreements and is not shared with the public. It works in cooperation with many institutions and organizations established to prevent money laundering in the world.
What is the International Money Laundering Information Network (IMoLIN)?
The International Money Laundering Information Network (IMoLIN) is a global network that was established by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 1998. Its primary aim is to facilitate the exchange of information and promote international cooperation in the fight against money laundering.
IMoLIN provides a secure platform for law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to share information and intelligence on money laundering and related crimes. The network is designed to promote a coordinated response to money laundering, enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts, and support the implementation of international standards and best practices.
IMoLIN operates as a web-based platform that is accessible to registered users from around the world. The network provides a range of tools and resources to support the exchange of information, including a database of laws and regulations related to money laundering, a directory of financial intelligence units (FIUs), and a range of training materials and resources.
Organizations Under IMoLIN
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Program against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and Financing of Terrorism (GPML) manages and maintains IMOLIN on behalf of 11 partner organizations:
- The Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG),
- The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF),
- The Commonwealth Secretariat, the Council of Europe - MONEYVAL,
- The Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG),
- The Eurasian Group (EAG), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF),
- The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering in South America (GAFISUD),
- The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA),
- Interpol,
- the Organization of American States - Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS/CICAD)
How Does IMoLIN Work?
IMoLIN is a web-based platform that operates as a secure portal for the exchange of information and intelligence on money laundering and related crimes. Here is an overview of how IMoLIN works:
- Registration: Users must register with IMoLIN to gain access to the platform. Registration is free and open to law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders who are involved in the fight against money laundering.
- Access to Information: Once registered, users can access a range of resources and tools that are designed to support the exchange of information and intelligence. These include a database of laws and regulations related to money laundering, a directory of FIUs, and a range of training materials and resources.
- Secure Communication: IMoLIN provides a secure platform for users to communicate and exchange information. All communications and data exchanges are encrypted and stored securely to ensure confidentiality and integrity.
- Collaboration and Coordination: IMoLIN promotes collaboration and coordination among its members by facilitating the exchange of information on money laundering and related crimes. Users can share information on suspicious transactions, trends, and patterns and collaborate on investigations and other initiatives.
- Technical Support: IMoLIN provides technical support to its users, including training and guidance on how to use the platform, as well as assistance with technical issues and troubleshooting.
- Continuous Improvement: IMoLIN is continuously evolving and improving to meet the needs of its users. The platform is regularly updated with new resources and tools, and feedback from users is used to inform future developments and improvements.
IMoLIN System
The foundations of the website consist of an electronic library and an event calendar. The IMoLIN website contains information on the Anti-Money Laundering International Database (AMLID) and many other available resources.
Apart from these, the system includes the following parts:
- Anti-Money Laundering International Database (AMLID): This is an analysis database of laws and penalties used to fight against money laundering. The IMoLIN website contains information on AMLID and many other available resources.
- National Legislation: In this section, the full texts of the AML/CFT legislation have been collected. There are more than 250 (including new and amended) regulations from 163 jurisdictions. The system opens in a click map and is broadcast regionally.
- Worldwide Calendar of Events: It is a calendar that shows the activities (conferences, seminars, training, etc.) related to the working areas of IMoLIN.
- Reference Section: It analyzes the UN's latest research and summaries the best new research from governments and international organizations.
- Links: It is the part that contains the links that redirect to the sites of other institutions doing AML/CFT studies.
Success Stories: Examples of IMoLIN's Impact
The International Money Laundering Information Network (IMoLIN) has had a significant impact on the fight against money laundering and related crimes. Here are some success stories that demonstrate the impact of IMoLIN:
- Recovering Stolen Assets: In 2014, IMoLIN helped authorities in Kazakhstan recover $48 million in stolen assets. The assets had been laundered through offshore companies and bank accounts but were identified and frozen as a result of information sharing facilitated by IMoLIN.
- Identifying Terrorist Financing: In 2017, IMoLIN played a key role in identifying a terrorist financing network that was operating in Europe and the Middle East. The network was using a complex system of financial transactions to fund terrorist activities but was exposed and disrupted as a result of intelligence shared through IMoLIN.
- Facilitating International Cooperation: IMoLIN has played a critical role in facilitating international cooperation in the fight against money laundering and related crimes. In one notable case, authorities in the United States and Mexico were able to collaborate and share intelligence through IMoLIN to disrupt a major drug trafficking and money laundering operation.
- Strengthening National Systems: IMoLIN has also helped to strengthen national systems for combating money laundering and related crimes. For example, IMoLIN has provided technical assistance to a number of countries to help them establish FIUs and implement effective anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) measures.
In summary, IMoLIN is likely to play an increasingly important role in the fight against money laundering and related crimes. As technology advances and criminals become more sophisticated, IMoLIN will need to continue to innovate and adapt in order to stay ahead of the curve. By collaborating with international partners and leveraging emerging technologies, IMoLIN can help to prevent and disrupt illicit financial activities around the world.
