Government appoints FIU director
Government has confirmed Atuweni-tupochile Phiri as director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
The substantive confirmation of Phiri, who has been acting director since 2012, is subject to confirmation by the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament.
Phiri’s confirmation, which has been backdated to December 2 2014, comes barely a week after The Nation reported that FIU has had no director since 2006 when Parliament passed the Money Laundering, Proceeds of Serious Crime and Terrorist Financing Act.
In the article, private practice lawyer Jai Banda warned that the lack of a director at the FIU could expose some of the decisions of the anti-money laundering outfit to legal challenges.
However, Finance, Economic Planning and Development Minister Goodall Gondwe said in the same story that the director would be appointed soon.
“This is a significant development for the country as it will improve the rating at regional and international levels on the country’s commitment towards fighting money laundering and terrorist financing,” said the statement from Chief Secretary to Government George Mkondiwa.
Phiri joined FIU in 2008 as policy and legal adviser and has been one of the technocrats who took part in the development of the Money Laundering, Proceeds of Serious Crimes and Terrorist Financing Act.
