The Financial Investigations Division (FID) and the Revenue Protection Department (RPD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud against the revenue and other financial crimes.

The MoU provides a formal framework for consultation, cooperation and the lawful sharing of information in support of both organisations’ statutory responsibilities. It is intended to strengthen intelligence development, improve coordination and support more effective criminal and civil investigations and enforcement action.

Under the agreement, the FID will provide the RPD with data and other material necessary for intelligence and investigative purposes, as well as notice of any impending criminal investigation involving a person or entity of interest to the RPD. The FID will also provide requested statistical information.

The RPD, in turn, will provide the FID with data and other material necessary to support intelligence and investigations, notice of revenue crimes or other financial crimes involving persons or entities of interest, and relevant statistics, technical assistance and compliance information to assist the investigation or prosecution of financial crimes.

The MoU also supports referrals, joint operations, parallel investigations, cross-training and coordinated outreach to sensitise stakeholders to the risks associated with corruption, breaches of revenue laws, money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It includes governance arrangements for the handling, protection and appropriate use of shared information.

FID Chief Technical Director Dennis Chung said the agreement reflects the importance of formalising strategic partnerships between agencies whose work intersects in protecting Jamaica’s financial system: “This MoU strengthens an important working relationship between the FID and the Revenue Protection Department.

By establishing clear arrangements for information-sharing, referrals and coordinated action, it will enhance the ability of both organisations to detect, investigate and disrupt financial crimes that threaten Government revenue and the integrity of Jamaica’s financial system. This type of strategic partnership is essential to effective national enforcement and regulatory action.”

RPD Chief Technical Director and Commissioner of Revenue Protection Cranston G. Morgan said the partnership will improve the ability of both entities to respond to financial misconduct and protect the public interest: “This represents another practical step forward in strengthening cooperation between the RPD and the FID. It provides a sound basis for timely information-sharing, stronger coordination and better use of institutional expertise in responding to revenue offences and related financial crimes. The partnership is mutually beneficial and supports the broader national effort to safeguard the public purse and promote confidence in Jamaica’s regulatory environment.”

The FID has entered into similar strategic arrangements with several key partners, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, the Integrity Commission and the Jamaica Customs Agency. Such agreements strengthen inter-agency coordination, help close operational gaps and support more effective action against financial crime.

By improving collaboration between the FID and the RPD, this MoU supports stronger protection of Government revenue, greater resilience in Jamaica’s financial system and a more coordinated response to threats posed by financial crime.