$35 Million to Continue Implementation of CCARP

The Ministry of Finance and Planning will continue implementation of the Caribbean Criminal Asset Recovery Programme (CCARP), for which just over $35 million has been allocated in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House.

The programme, which commenced in January 2013, is designed to support strengthening of the Financial Investigations Division (FID) by providing technical assistance to build their criminal assets recovery capabilities in tackling serious crimes; and developing the capability of judiciaries in the preparation, presentation, and hearing of financial crimes.

Targets envisaged include: increasing the number of cash seizure/forfeiture orders; increasing the complement of prosecutors who can present proceeds of crime cases; increased public awareness of the benefits of recovering the proceeds of crime; and enacting a model proceeds of crime legislation.

Achievements up to December 2014, include: amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), including restriction on cash transactions and disposal of restrained assets; amendments to the FID Act; amendments to the Terrorism Prevention Act, which now sees the FID as the sole designated body for suspicious transactions; signing of Memoranda of Understanding with the Jamaica Customs Agency, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); advanced development of a case management system for the FID; establishment of a new conference/training facility at the FID; and renovation of new offices identified for the FID.

Anticipated targets for 2015/16 include: renewal of licence for information technology (IT) system used for intelligence analysis and case management, for which $10 million is earmarked; continued efforts to support deterrence of financial crimes for which $25 million is earmarked; increased asset forfeitures and seizures; piloting of legislative changes, including rules of Court; and increased cooperation with partner agencies.

The programme, which is funded by the United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development (DFID), is scheduled to end in September.