Bill removes time limit for laundering charges

The National Assembly last Friday passed a bill that will give prosecutors more time to institute charges under the anti-money laundering legislation. Once the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2017 is enacted, Attorney General Basil Williams SC said money laundering would be redefined as a “hybrid,” offence, giving prosecutors the option of pursuing charges either summarily or indictably. Under the latter option, Williams explained, there is no time limit for when charges can be instituted. The bill was passed after a few objections by the parliamentary opposition.