Financial Intelligence Unit

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Mauritius is the national agency tasked with receiving, analysing and disseminating information concerning suspicious financial transactions that may be linked to money laundering or the financing of terrorism. It derives its authority from the Financial Intelligence and Anti‑Money Laundering Act, which was enacted in 2002 and subsequently amended to align with evolving international standards. Under this legislation, banks, money‑transfer operators, foreign exchange dealers, casinos, lawyers, accountants, real‑estate agents and other designated non‑financial businesses and professions are obliged to submit suspicious transaction reports to the FIU. Upon receipt, the unit employs specialised analytical tools and databases to examine the reports for patterns, connections and indicators of illicit behaviour. The resulting financial intelligence is then forwarded to competent authorities such as the Mauritius Police Force, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Customs Department and the judiciary for further investigation, prosecution or asset recovery. Beyond its analytical core, the FIU Mauritius issues regulatory guidance, conducts training workshops and outreach programmes to help reporting entities understand and meet their anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorist‑financing obligations. As a member of the Egmont Group, it participates in the secure exchange of financial intelligence with counterpart units worldwide and contributes to the development of global AML/CFT standards through typology reports and typology‑sharing initiatives. The unit also supports national risk assessments and provides technical assistance to other government agencies involved in the fight against financial crime.

The FIU Mauritius operates as a government department that reports to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, yet it maintains operational independence in the execution of its mandate. Its headquarters is located in Mauritius, serving as the central hub for the collection, analysis and dissemination of suspicious transaction reports from across the country’s financial and non‑financial sectors. The organisation’s staff comprises analysts, investigators and support personnel who receive regular training in financial analysis techniques, legal frameworks and cybersecurity hygiene. In October 2022 the FIU was subjected to a cyber attack that prompted the suspension of four employees, highlighted possible gaps in internal security controls and caused temporary disruption to its analytical workflows. In response, the unit launched an internal investigation, reviewed its information‑technology infrastructure, strengthened firewall and intrusion‑detection measures and updated staff awareness programmes to reduce the likelihood of future breaches. Despite this incident, the FIU Mauritius continues to fulfil its statutory role as the country’s primary authority for detecting, preventing and combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Its ongoing work contributes to the integrity of Mauritius’s financial system and supports the nation’s compliance with international anti‑money‑laundering obligations.