Money laundering in casinos

/in /by

I am a concerned citizen. I have heard stories that people who go to casinos are criminals looking to clean their money. Is this true? What measures are there to stop this? Kindly guide me.
NH, Arusha

You are concerned about money laundering. The Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cap. 423 [R. E. 2023] (AMLA) is the main legislation against money laundering in Tanzania. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) established under section 4 of the AMLA is responsible for receiving suspicious transaction reports from reporting persons, in relation to suspected money laundering and terrorist financing activities. After receiving a report, the FIU will analyse and disseminate intelligence to appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation and further action.
Similarly, the Gaming Act, Cap. 41 [R.E 2023] (Gaming Act) obliges persons with a gaming license including operation of a casino to report suspicious transaction to the FIU. Section 62(1) of the Gaming Act states that a licensee shall file a report with the FIU of any suspicious transaction relating to a possible violation of law or regulations or where a licensee believes that there is suspicious transaction relevant to possible violation of any law or regulation. A suspicious transaction includes one which, if it is conducted or attempted by, at or through the licensee, involves more than three million shillings, and the licensee suspects or has reason to suspect – (a) the transaction involves funds derived from illegal activities; (b) the transaction is designed to evade any requirements of anti-money laundering laws or regulations; or (c) the transaction has no business or apparent lawful purpose or is not the type of transaction the particular patron would normally be expected to engage, and the licensee knows of no reasonable explanation for the transaction after examining the available facts, including the background and possible purpose of the transaction. Not every who goes to a casino is a criminal but in case this happens they will be reported to the FIU. Consult your lawyer for further clarity.