The financial intelligence unit and money laundering control in Tanzania

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of the financial intelligence unit in Tanzania in fighting against money laundering and its predicate offences, examine its potential in controlling the problem and describe factors that undermine its efficacy. Design/methodology/approach The doctrinal research approach is used to analyse Tanzania’s anti-money laundering law and appraise its effectiveness in facilitating operations of the financial intelligence unit in fighting against money laundering and its predicate offences. The law-in-context approach is applied to interrogate the anti-money laundering law and describe non-law factors that impinge on the efficiency of Tanzania’s financial intelligence unit. Findings The law vests the financial intelligence unit with powers to perform a number of functions that are significant in fighting against money laundering and its predicate offences in Tanzania. The unit has been instrumental in curbing money laundering. The efficacy of this anti-money laundering agency, which is at its infancy stage, is emasculated by law-related, institutional and non-law factors. These factors undercut the potency of the agency. Practical implications There is a need for Tanzania to undertake policy, legislative and institutional reforms to augment the efficacy of the financial intelligence unit. The reforms should be implemented concurrently with other measures, which will enhance the country’s anti-money money laundering regime. Originality/value This paper applies the legal and non-law perspectives to evaluate the effectiveness of the financial intelligence unit as an essential component of Tanzania’s anti-money laundering regime. It proposes law-related and non-law approaches to augment the efficiency of the unit and the country’s anti-money laundering regime in general.