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This paper aims to address the existing gap in the anti-money laundering/counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and explore the possibility and effectiveness of disentangling the nexus between the two concepts.

The approach undertaken is doctrinal legal research by employing rigorous analysis of the legal terms of terrorism financing and money laundering.

Upon analysis, the study confirms that the two concepts are distinct; there is a slight overlap in the methods of acquisition of funds for both terrorists and money laundering; however, the purpose and intention of the two are totally separate and therefore creates a need for singular approach in tackling the two concepts. Enhanced collaboration between states and increased financial technologies will aid in better tackling of the two menaces.

The research is limited to a desk review approach.

The study confirms the argument that the AML/CFT approach is ineffective in tackling money laundering and terrorism financing.

This paper delves into a deeper analysis of money laundering and terrorism financing and provides a nuanced understanding of the differences between the two terms.

The purpose of this paper is to consider the applicability and challenges of using asset forfeiture mechanisms in taking away the illicit gains of Somali piracy for ransoms.

The paper presents a desk research on the issue. It is based on analysis of the key principles in the area and relevant literature on the subject.

Asset forfeiture mechanisms can be used to facilitate the seizure of Somali piracy proceeds. It is applicable to those who directly or indirectly benefited from piracy: the foot soldiers, financiers and other beneficiaries. This would enable withdrawal of piracy re-investment capital and hence may act as a disincentive for current and prospective offenders.

For the initiative to work, various states and other actors need to cooperate. However, incentives such as corruption, the personal interests of individuals and states that have benefited from Somali piracy, may make them unwilling to collaborate. This would definitely hinder the implementation and effectiveness of using asset forfeiture.

Much of the literature on Somali piracy for ransoms has focussed on maritime solutions. Further, authors and organisations have advocated for following the money trail. As a result, consideration of the benefits and challenges of doing so needs to be done. This paper seeks to fill this gap.

Kenya is vulnerable to trade-based and other forms of money laundering. Banks are prime targets for money launderers since they can facilitate the processes of placement, layering and re-integration. Consequently, banks are key in fulfilment of the prohibitory and preventative anti-money laundering (AML) strategies. In executing these obligations, the potential for clashes between the bank following the law and obeying its contractual duties to the client arises. Hence, this paper aims to examine these potential conflicts of interests.

The examination is based on reviewing relevant literature, case law and analysing the Proceeds of Crime and AML Act and its attendant regulations. These form the core of the AML regime imposing obligations on banks.

The analysis indicates the provisions are robust and can assist in addressing money laundering risks faced by banks. Nonetheless, there are identified gaps since the primary AML legislation does not provide guidance on various issues. This can potentially lead to banks facing litigation from customers for failure to honour its duty of secrecy and customer’s instructions.

The paper seeks to make a practical and scholarly contribution in considering the issue and possibly filling this gap through advocating for statutory amendment. Subsequently, positive review of the law will help strike a balance between interference in the banker-customer contractual relationship and facilitation of banks fulfilling their prohibitory and enforcement of AML obligations.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the inclusion of lawyers in Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime and the role they can play towards assisting in detection and gate-keeping of potential money laundering activities. Kenya is a transit point for trade-based money laundering. Accordingly, it is vulnerable to money laundering that can be facilitated by legal professionals, through their misuse by criminals. These professionals can be both enablers and perpetrators.

The study is secondary in nature. It is based on reviewing relevant literature and analysing the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Regulations. The legislation and the rules form the core of Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime.

The omission of legal professionals from Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime constitutes a big gap under its preventative mechanisms. Further, it makes them attractive to criminals because they are under no legal obligation to report potential money laundering activities. Ultimately, the inclusion of lawyers as DNFBPs is necessary. This would seal the extant regulatory gap and ensure enhanced awareness amongst the legal professionals of the money laundering risks that they face.

Given Kenya’s money laundering susceptibility, it is necessary and prudent to critically consider the inclusion of legal professionals in its anti-money laundering mechanisms. The paper seeks to make a practical and scholarly contribution in considering the issue and possibly trigger further discussions, as well as the necessary legislative and policy changes. This would positively enhance the success of Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime in detecting money laundering activities.

This paper aims to detect the methods that facilitate the identification of potential money laundering activities in Kenya. Kenya is a transit point for international drug traffickers and trade-based money laundering. Hence, it is vulnerable to money laundering and consequently, it is necessary to examine the potency of its first lines of defence and its weaknesses.

The research is secondary in nature. It is based on reviewing relevant literature and analyzing the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA) and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (POCAMLR). Both form the core of Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime.

Generally, the identified methods can facilitate identification of proceeds of crime and possible laundering activity. However, there are challenges in the provisions that could reduce effectiveness. These include intrinsic loopholes and implementation challenges, in the provisions relating to accountants, precious stone and metal dealers and the hawala system. Additionally, there is the key omission of car dealers and legal professionals from the mechanisms for detecting money laundering.

Given Kenya’s money laundering susceptibility, it is necessary and prudent to critically examine its mechanisms for detecting money laundering. The paper seeks to make a practical and scholarly contribution in filling this extant gap. This paper can trigger further discussions as well as the necessary legislative and policy changes. This would positively enhance the success of Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime in detecting money laundering activities.