6AMLD: The key changes

So what are the key changes?

Unified list of predicate offences

6AMLD aims to harmonise the definition of money laundering across the EU and lists 22 specific predicate offences for money laundering which all EU member states must criminalise, to avoid loopholes in local legislation. Whilst some of these are obvious, others less so.

• Organised crime and racketeering
• Terrorism
• Human trafficking and migrant smuggling
• Sexual exploitation
• Illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
• Illicit arms trafficking
• illicit trafficking in stolen and other goods
• Corruption
• Fraud
• Counterfeiting currency
• Counterfeiting and pirating products
• Environmental crime
• Murder
• Kidnapping and hostage-taking
• Robbery or theft
• Smuggling
• Tax crimes relating to direct and indirect taxes
• Extortion
• Forgery
• Piracy
• Insider trading and market manipulation
• Cybercrime

EU member states and regulated organisations will need an in-depth understanding of the predicate offences including the relevant risk factors and typologies involved.

Additional money laundering offences of aiding and abetting, inciting and attempting

The directive broadens the scope of money laundering offences to include aiding, abetting, inciting and attempting to commit an offence of money laundering as a criminal offence. The intention here is to make it easier to convict accomplices to money laundering.

Extension of criminal liability to legal persons

Criminal liability is now extended to legal persons (companies or incorporated partnerships) and individuals in certain key positions (representatives, decision‑makers or those with authority to exercise control) who commit offences for the benefit of their organisation. This includes a failure to prevent money laundering offence, where the lack of supervision or control of an individual made the offence possible. This means that an individual or legal person can be convicted even if the criminal activity that generated the dirty money cannot be identified.

Increased international co-operation for prosecution of money laundering

If two member states each have jurisdiction over the prosecution of a money laundering offence, they must collaborate and agree to prosecute in a single member state.

Tougher punishments

The minimum prison sentence for money laundering offences for individuals is increased from one year to four years.

Other sanctions include:

• Punishments for legal persons, including exclusion from public benefits or aid
• A temporary or permanent ban from doing business
• Compulsory winding-up
• Temporary or permanent closure of establishments used to commit the offence

UK and 6AMLD

The UK has opted out of complying directly with 6AMLD as HM Government takes the view that existing legislation is already largely compliant and in many cases the UK goes much further.

Jonathan Jensen, GBG Commercial Director Identity, said: “Whilst 6AMLD has not been formally incorporated into UK AML legislation it’s crucial that all regulated entities that operate in Europe ensure they are compliant.”