Happy summer from The AML Shop everyone! We hope that you’re staying cool during this heatwave.
Our team loves connecting with our clients to stay in-the-know with what’s happening in their world and as one of the many ways we remain informed. This week, our cryptocurrency clients told us they received an email from an RCMP officer requesting contact information about their business.
If you receive a similar email, don’t panic. This request is not specifically targeted at your business.
Our team was proactive and contacted the RCMP directly for details. Cpl. Steve Harten shared that he was asked to compile a contact list for each virtual currency business that is currently registered with FINTRAC. The purpose of the list is for law enforcement to have a point of contact should they need to obtain more information or issue a production order.
Garry Clement, our Adjunct Advisor who had an esteemed career with the RCMP, including its Integrated Proceeds of Crime program says, “If you receive an email similar to what we have described, it’s always good to provide the information requested, as it demonstrates a commitment to compliance and it always pays to have good relations with law enforcement.”
With that being said, The AML Shop confirmed with Cpl. Harten that providing this information is completely voluntary, so you are under no obligation to provide the requested contact details if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. Clement also shares that, “cooperating with law enforcement shows good corporate citizenship which is such an important piece of every business’s fabric these days.”
Cpl. Harten has provided his contact details. If you would like more information on the virtual currency contact list, or require law enforcement assistance or perspective on an issue relating to virtual currency, you can contact Cpl. Harten directly, via email at steve.harten@rcmp-grc.gc.
As always, whenever you receive or hear about something you’re unsure of, call your AML support team or colleagues. You are always welcome to call the AML Shop, as it’s usually a good place to start.
Stay cool and watch our website for more news and updates like this. If you have an idea or question that you’d like us to answer, we’d love to hear it! Email us at: shamela@theamlshop.ca