AUSTRAC has announced that Australia has signed an agreement to share financial intelligence with Peru. “Criminals involved in money laundering, terrorism, tax evasion, drug trafficking and other serious crimes do not respect borders, so cooperation is needed between financial intelligence units and law enforcement in a range of countries,” said Minister for Justice Michael Keenan. The memorandum of understanding sets out agreed terms for the exchange of information between the 2 jurisdictions. Mr Keenan said the information is analysed by AUSTRAC and, where appropriate, provided to other Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and the Tax Office.

Source: Minister for Justice media release, 6 June 2014

[LTN 109, 10/6/14]