Anti-Money Laundring policy
Introduction
The Approved Auto Centre Ltd has a zero-tolerance policy towards Money
Laundering and dealing with the proceeds of crime, and we are committed to
implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter them.
In addition, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Terrorism Act 2000 and
the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 place obligations on The Company and its
subsidiaries to establish internal procedures to prevent the use of our services
for money laundering.
Currently the Company and its subsidiaries do not undertake activities
requiring licensing under the Money Laundering Regulations, but we will
continue to actively review the situation to ensure that we do not exceed the
thresholds over which we must be licensed. Who is covered by this policy?
This policy applies to the entire workforce, both permanent and
temporary. In addition we expect all our suppliers and contractors to comply
with equivalent principles to those set out in this policy and in our Code of
Conduct.
Potentially any one of us could be caught by the money laundering
provisions if we suspect money laundering and either become involved with it or
do nothing about it. What is Money Laundering? Money laundering is the process
of changing ‘dirty’ money into ‘clean’ money in order to hide the fact it may
have originated from criminal activity. Money Laundering is the term used for a
number of offences involving the proceeds of crime or terrorism funds. Money
laundering often happens in 3 steps: 1) Cash is introduced into the financial
system by some means (placement) 2) This involves a seemingly innocent
financial transaction to disguise the illegal source (layering) 3) The final
step is the receipt of the wealth from these illicit arrangements (integration)
Sometimes, and this is where the Company is most likely to encounter it, it can
simply involve receiving payment for goods or services with “dirty” money –
usually cash. It also includes possessing or concealing the proceeds of any
crime. One example of this could be paying in advance for something, e.g. water
or waste services (placement) and then cancelling the order within a few days,
vacating property etc., (layering) in order to obtain a refund (integration).
How do we identify suspicious activity?
Any member of the workforce dealing with transactions involving income
for goods and services (or other income) must be alert to the possibility of
money-laundering, particularly where: - Cash is offered by the customer -
Overpayment is received by us and a refund is made, particularly where a cheque
refund is requested - We receive a suspiciously low tender for goods or
services. - Checking the identity of a new customer / supplier is proving
difficult - An individual from a new customer / supplier is reluctant to
provide their details - There isn’t a genuine reason for using the services
provided - A customer / supplier attempts to introduce intermediaries to either
protect their identity or hide their involvement? - A customer requests a cash
transaction - The source of the cash is not known or is unusual - The
transaction doesn’t seem normal in the context of the customer’s business - The
size or frequency of the transaction is not consistent with the normal activities
of the customer - The pattern of the customer’s transactions changes
unexpectedly When do we need to be registered for receiving cash? If Pennon or
any part of the business were to accept or make cash payments of €10,000 or
more (or equivalent in any currency) we would have to register with HMRC. This
includes when a customer deposits cash directly into the business’s bank
accounts, or when they pay cash to a third party for the business’s benefit.
Any of the following will be caught: · a single cash
payment of €10,000 or more for goods · several cash
payments for a single transaction totaling €10,000 or more, including a series
of payments and payments on account · cash payments
totaling €10,000 or more which appear to have been broken down into smaller
amounts so that they come below the high value payment limit. Procedures Pennon
and its business have implemented procedures for reporting suspicious
transactions and, if necessary, making an appropriate suspicious activity
report (often shortened to SAR) to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).
1. We are alert to the possibility that we may become the subject of an
attempt to involve us in a
1. We are alert to the possibility that we may become the subject of an
attempt to involve us in a Money Laundering transaction. Accordingly, we
maintain procedures for verifying and recording the identity of counterparties,
we will report any suspicious behaviour and will ensure our workforce are
properly trained in what to do if they suspect any illegal activity.
2. Details of transaction(s) must be retained for at least 7 years after
the end of the business relationship. Examples of that documentation are: -
Documents relating to the financial transactions Author: Group Legal Services
Approved: March 2018 Company Confidential
3 The Company - Customer Identity checks- If you handle invoices, money
transactions, payments or receipts, you must consider each transaction carefully,
report any suspicious activity and remain vigilant.
4. Large individual cash payments must be treated with caution. Any cash
payment over €10,000 must be declined and the person requested to deposit the
cash at their bank or with their solicitor and to make payment by debit or
credit card, cheque, banker’s draft or solicitor’s cheque.
5. Any suspicious activity MUST be reported as soon as you possibly can
to your line manager or if you do not feel comfortable talking to an internal
member of staff,
through the Speak-up helpline Tel No. 0800 297 0110.
Anyone who suspects that money laundering is on-going must not disclose
any material to anyone that might prejudice any investigation. Consequences The
consequences for any of us of committing an offence are potentially very
serious. The failure to disclose a suspicion of a case of Money Laundering is a
serious offence, and there are only very limited grounds in law for not
reporting a suspicion.
Failure to comply with the procedures set out in this policy, including
reporting suspicious activity, may lead to disciplinary action being taken in
addition to any legal prosecution. Whilst the risk to Pennon of being involved
in any Money Laundering activity is considered low, it is important that we all
understand our legal responsibilities and how to report any suspected
suspicious activity. This policy should be read alongside all Approve Auto
Centre Ltd policies and procedures.
Follow-up Action If you’d like further advice, you can contact our Head
of Legal Compliance, who will be happy to offer guidance.
Director: Tadas Monkus Date: 07/02/2021