Introduction
IFound has a zero tolerance policy towards Money Laundering and dealing with the proceeds of crime, and we are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter them. As a Company we pride ourselves in adopting the highest international standards to ensure that our company falls fully in line with the AML required.
In addition, The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, The Terrorisms Act 2000, The Sanctions and Anti Money Laundering Act 2018, The Money Laundering, Terrorist and Transfer of Funds (information on Payer) Regulations 2017, place obligations on IFound and any subsidiaries to establish internal procedures to prevent the use of our services for money laundering.
Currently IFound does not undertake activities requiring licensing under the Money Laundering Regulations but we will continue to actively review the situation to ensure that we do not exceed the thresholds over which we must be licensed.
Who is covered by this policy?
This policy applies to the entire workforce, and the expected standards of our Merchants, both permanent and temporary. In addition we expect any suppliers and contractors to comply with equivalent principles to those set out in this policy and in our Code of Conduct.
Potentially any one of us could be caught by the money laundering provisions if we suspect money laundering and either become involved with it or do nothing about it.
What is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the process of changing ‘dirty’ money into ‘clean’ money in order to hide the fact it may have originated from criminal activity. Money Laundering is the term used for a number of offences involving the proceeds of crime or terrorism funds.
Money laundering often happens in 3 steps:
Sometimes, and this is where IFound is most likely to encounter it, it can simply involve receiving payment for goods or services with “dirty” money – often cash but not always. It also includes possessing or concealing the proceeds of any crime.
Any member of the workforce and the Merchants dealing with transactions involving income for services (or other income) must be alert to the possibility of money-laundering, particularly where:
I Found Ltd and its business have implemented procedures for reporting suspicious transactions and, if necessary, making an appropriate suspicious activity report (often shortened to SAR) to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).
1. We are alert to the possibility that we may become the subject of an attempt to involve us in a Money Laundering transaction. Accordingly, we maintain procedures for verifying and recording the identity of counter-parties, we will report any suspicious behaviour and will ensure our workforce are properly trained in what to do if they suspect any illegal activity.
2. Details of transaction(s) must be retained for at least 7 years after the end of the business relationship. Examples of that documentation are:
3. If we handle invoices, money transactions, payments or receipts, we will consider each transaction carefully, report any suspicious activity and remain vigilant.
4. Large individual cash payments will be treated with caution. Any cash payment over £10,000 will be declined and the person requested to deposit the cash at their bank or with their solicitor and to make payment by debit or credit card, cheque, banker’s draft or solicitor’s cheque.
5. Any suspicious activity will be reported as soon as you possible by employees to the Board of Directors or, through the Speak-up helpline (No. 0800 297 0110). Anyone who suspects that money laundering is on-going will not disclose any material to anyone that might prejudice any investigation.
The consequences for any of us of committing an offence are potentially very serious. The failure to disclose a suspicion of a case of Money Laundering is a serious offence, and there are only very limited grounds in law for not reporting a suspicion.
may lead to disciplinary action being taken in addition to any legal prosecution.
This policy should be read alongside all IFound policies and procedures.
Company Information - I Found Deals Limited registered number13859727, registered office Suite B, Fairgate House, 205 Kings Roads, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2AA