सिंहदरबार संवाददाता
Kathmandu. Nepal is almost certain to be placed on the ‘Grey’ list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The FATF is set to place Nepal on the ‘Grey’ list in February.
Some time ago, representatives of various Nepali agencies went to the Philippines for the second phase of defense. A member participating in the defense told Singha Durbar, “We went to the Philippines for defense, but our efforts did not bear fruit. It is almost certain that Nepal will be placed on the ‘Grey’ list in the FATF meeting to be held in February.”
Nepal had issued the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2064 on Magh 14, 2064. Despite the promulgation of the Act, the possibility of Nepal being placed on the ‘Grey’ list has increased as its implementation has been very weak. Speaking on the ‘National Anti-Money Laundering Day 2081’ on Monday (Magh 14), Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and Rastra Bank Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari have clearly indicated that Nepal will be placed on the ‘Grey’ list. Speaking at the event, Finance Minister Poudel said that Nepal’s representatives have not been successful in the defense held in the Philippines.
Minister Poudel said, ‘A truth has been revealed to us regarding money laundering, we have not been able to do as much as we should have done. Nepal could have presented itself to the world with high morale. Nepal, which has moved forward after passing the first and second phases of assessment, should have been able to move forward without any doubts when it reaches the third phase. We are not under any investigation. We should have been proud that we have effectively taken forward the campaign against money laundering. But in the meantime, work has not been done effectively and promptly.
He added, “It is necessary to intensify the work of investigation and prosecution. The innocent should not be punished. We should be able to establish a standard that the guilty should not be exempted. Anyone guilty of money laundering will be punished. No innocent person should be afraid. Effective work will be done in the coming days to establish a standard that they will not come under the purview of punishment.” We hope that we will be able to establish the identity of an excellent nation in the world on the issue of preventing money laundering within the country.’
Finance Minister Poudel has said that Nepal’s representatives have made a lot of effort in the defense held in the Philippines a few weeks ago. Although there is a lot of work on the way to ensure that the country does not come under risk, Minister Poudel said that despite the commitments made on his part, the work has not been done adequately.
Speaking at the same program, Governor Adhikari expressed that even if Nepal is included in the ‘grey’ list, it will not be a big problem. He said, “There are also different categories of listing. Initially, some observations are given, and then there are processes like re-evaluation. We are now in the third evaluation, and the observation period has ended. We are at the stage of listing. There is a plenary from February 17 to 21. That plenary includes our report, the post-observation report, and the status of the listing. Even if we are listed step by step, we have a solid foundation to come out of it. The plan now is effectiveness. For that, let everyone present here get that energy. Let us come out of the grey list as soon as possible. Best wishes to everyone.”
Earlier, he had said, “Initially and even now, cash transactions are more risky. That is why digital transactions are increasing day by day. But in digital too, there are a lot of frauds and new types of innovative technology advances, such as rapid access, have started to take their place. We see that we need to go in a new way to refresh it.
When we are doing something, it does not mean that we do not have any risks in it. Risks come in new forms. We, all stakeholders, have to prevent them. Similarly, in the context of action, this is also a suggestion of the criteria within it, that which person does a lot of illegal earnings? This should be taken. As a result of that action, he should not just think about it tomorrow. It is believed that he should have a feeling that his descendants should not do such a thing for years. This means that even if such illegal activities are carried out in one place, it will have an impact all over the world.
That is why it is being closely monitored internationally. The Co-operation Group closely watches whether international coordination is taking place, whether these rules and regulations, these standards are being followed. And while it is investigating, how are we correcting our shortcomings and our evaluation reports. That is being watched.”
Indeed, Governor Adhikari has already said that the risk of Nepal being placed on the ‘grey’ list is high. Speaking after a meeting on the assessment of Nepal’s situation in high-level money laundering prevention and the future direction of reform at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar on 2081 Poush-7, he had said that Nepal would be placed on the ‘grey’ list. He said, “Looking at the current situation, the implementation is a bit weak. That is why there is a possibility of going to the ‘grey’ list. Among the efforts we are making is a joint committee. Which was formed by the FATF. We should tell you about the progress that Nepal has made. If they are satisfied with that, they can withdraw from the ICRG monitoring, but looking at the progress we have made so far, although many things we have done historically have progressed more than the previous mutual evaluation, they have clearly stated that there are things that are not to their satisfaction.”
It seems that the evaluation representatives will have to lobby strongly in favor of Nepal in the FATF meeting to be held from February 17 to 21 to prevent Nepal from being placed on the ‘grey’ list. But experts say that the possibility is very weak. .
https://singhadarbar.com/%e0%a4%97%e0%a4%ad%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%a8%e0%a4%b0-%e0%a4%85%e0%a4%a7%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%95%e0%a 4%be%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%8b-%e0%a4%85%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%8 d%e0%a4%a5%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%82%e0%a4%b0/
https://singhadarb ar.com/even-if-we-remain-on-the-grey-list-we-have-space-to-get-out-soon-governor-adhikari/
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्