New offices to accommodate an expanded Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU) opened on January 11, representing a major initiative in the provision of the policing services that form an integral part of Hong Kong's Anti-money Laundering and Counter Finance of Terrorism Regime.

In the expansion, FI NB has been strengthened with additional manpower and restructured into two divisions, namely FI NB and Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU NB). However, both will remain under the command of CSP NB and an integral part of NB.

The new offices on 28/F, Arsenal House, which will be commanded by SP JFIU NB and comprise two sections, each led by a Chief Inspector (CIP). JFIU 1 is primarily responsible for handling suspicious transaction reports, and strategic and tactical financial intelligence analysis, while JFIU 2 is responsible for training, international liaison, policy and support.

FI NB meanwhile will continue to be commanded by SP FI NB. It has been expanded to form three investigation sections, each commanded by a CIP, namely FI 1 NB for money laundering investigations arising from drug activities, FI 2 NB for organised and serious crimes, and FI 3 NB for terrorist financing.

SP FI Nelson Cheng, who was responsible for the expansion project, commented: "The requirement for additional resources was recognised during the mutual evaluation of Hong Kong undertaken by the Financial Action Task Force in 2007/2008. Now the tools are in place, and we can ensure that the Force remain a highly effective deterrent to those who would use Hong Kong's financial system to launder ill-gotten gains. Hong Kong is one of the only two jurisdictions that have received a grading of 'Fully Compliant' in respect of its law enforcement and financial intelligence capabilities in the current round of evaluation and we must ensure we maintain this high standard in the years to come."

OffBeat will continue to talk about the career opportunities in FI and the training the Force offered as a regional leader in the coming issue.

FI NB has been strengthened with additional manpower and restructured into two divisions