Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ASHGABAT1226
2007-11-13 03:20:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:
TURKMENISTAN 2007-2008 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL
how-toVZCZCXRO4266 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHBI RUEHCI RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLH RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPW RUEHROV RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHAH #1226/01 3170320 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 130320Z NOV 07 FM AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9687 INFO RUCNCLS/ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COLLECTIVE RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 1884 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 1885 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0620 RHMFIUU/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RUEAWJA/DOJ WASHDC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ASHGABAT 001226
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN, INL, S/CT, EEB
JUSTICE FOR AFMLS, OIA, OPDAT
TREASURY FOR FINCEN
DUSHANBE FOR DEA
MOSCOW FOR DEA
ISLAMABAD FOR DEA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV EFIN SNAR KCRM KTFN TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN 2007-2008 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL
STRATEGY REPORT (INCSR) PART II, MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCIAL
CRIMES
Ref: SECSTATE 138130
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ASHGABAT 001226
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN, INL, S/CT, EEB
JUSTICE FOR AFMLS, OIA, OPDAT
TREASURY FOR FINCEN
DUSHANBE FOR DEA
MOSCOW FOR DEA
ISLAMABAD FOR DEA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV EFIN SNAR KCRM KTFN TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN 2007-2008 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL
STRATEGY REPORT (INCSR) PART II, MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCIAL
CRIMES
Ref: SECSTATE 138130
1. This is the 2007-2008 INCSR Part II report on Turkmenistan. The
text is keyed to the questions in reftel. The Post's point of
contact for the INCSR, Part II draft is Kristine Marsh, Economic
Officer (MarshKA@state.gov).
GENERAL
2. Turkmenistan is not an important regional financial center. It
has only one international bank and a small, underdeveloped
financial sector. Foreign companies operate (but do not own) four
hotels and casinos in Turkmenistan. These entities could be
vulnerable to financial fraud and used for money laundering. The
national currency, the Turkmenistan Manat, has an unofficial, but
generally accepted, exchange rate that is four times the official
rate, creating an environment where money laundering is possible.
OFFSHORE FINANCIAL CENTERS
3. Turkmenistan has no offshore companies or banks.
FREE TRADE ZONES
4. The current Law on Free Economic Zones in Turkmenistan adopted
in 1993, and amended in 1994, determines the legal regime for
conducting business in these zones, guarantees the rights of both
foreign and domestic investors, forbids nationalization of
enterprises and discrimination against foreign investors, and
provides guarantees to foreign investors for exporting production
and repatriating after-tax profits. All related enterprises are
exempt from taxes on profits for the first three years of profitable
operation. All goods and properties must be declared when imported
into or exported from free economic zones. There are ten free
economic zones in Turkmenistan.
5. In May 2007 Turkmenistan introduced a National Tourism Zone
(NTZ) heavily promoted by President Berdimuhamedov to encourage
tourism development at a site on the Caspian Sea shore. Tax and
other incentives are provided in the new legislation passed on
October 1, but only to those willing to invest in construction of
hotels and recreational facilities. The amendments to the Tax Code
passed on October 1 exempt construction and installation of tourist
facilities in the NTZ from the Value Added Tax (VAT). Various
services of tourist facilities, including catering and
accommodation, are also VAT exempt. Income tax on accommodation and
catering of tourist facilities will not be levied for the first 15
years.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO PREVENT MONEY LAUNDERING AND THE
FINANCING OF TERRORISM
6. The Turkmen Criminal Code of June 12, 1997, Article 242
(Legalization of illegally obtained funds or other property)
prohibits money laundering.
7. The Government of Turkmenistan is working on new anti-money
laundering legislation. In 2007, the Government agreed to work with
the World Bank to review its draft anti-money laundering legislation
and establish a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
8. Turkmenistan's Banking Law of 1993 prevents disclosure of client
and ownership information by domestic and offshore financial
services companies to bank supervisors and law enforcement
authorities. However, it permits disclosure of such information
upon official request of courts and investigative agencies.
9. According to Turkmenistan's National Drug Program for 2006-2010,
development and adoption of national money laundering legislation
ASHGABAT 00001226 002 OF 004
was to have taken place in 2006-2007. Current laws don't provide
for establishment and funding of an FIU. In 2007 the Government
agreed to work with the World Bank to establish an FIU in
Turkmenistan.
FINANCIAL SECTOR
10. The Banking Supervision Department of the Central Bank of
Turkmenistan (CBT) supervises financial institutions for compliance
with anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist laws and regulations.
11. Presidential Resolution No. 0210/02-2 of October 17, 1995,
gives the CBT authority over all international financial
transactions. Under this resolution, any entity making an
electronic transfer of funds to an account abroad must provide
documentation establishing the source of the money. The CBT
regulations also permit an individual to transfer funds abroad of no
more than $15,000 every three months. Presidential Decree No. 5976
of November 20, 2002, "Strengthening the Regulations of Turkmen Bank
Operations Carried Out in Foreign Currency," orders Turkmenistan
banks to carry out correspondent, deposit, investment and other
operations in foreign currency outside Turkmenistan only through
open correspondent accounts in the CBT or State Foreign Economic
Relations Bank (Vneshekonombank).
12. There are no non-banking financial institutions other than one
state-controlled insurance company. The Ministry of National
Security (MNB),the State Tax Service and Ministry of Internal
Affairs (MVD) departments for fighting economic crimes supervise the
insurance company.
13. All financial institutions are required to report suspicious
transactions. In addition, the CBT ultimately supervises all bank
transactions.
FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT/INVESTIGATIONS
14. The country does not have an established Financial Intelligence
Unit (FIU). However, the MVD's Economic Crimes Department has
criminal and investigative responsibilities comparable to an FIU.
15. Under the 2006-2010 National Drug Program, Turkmenistan
foresees the establishment of special units for controlling
financial transactions to strengthen anti-money laundering measures,
including asset forfeiture related to illegal drug trafficking.
16. The MVD, MNB, and Prosecutor's Office are responsible for
investigating financial crimes, including money laundering and
terrorist financing.
17. To strengthen control over government assets, President
Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on establishing a Supreme Auditing
Chamber of Turkmenistan in July 2007. The Chamber is responsible
for overseeing financial and economical activities by government
institutions and ensuring proper, lawful, and effective use of state
property and funds.
18. The Embassy regularly provides terrorist financing information
regarding UN and U.S.-designated individuals and organizations
subject to asset forfeiture to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MFA). The MFA reports that it distributes this information to the
Ministry of Economy and Finance, MNB, MVD, and other concerned
agencies.
CROSS BORDER TRANSPORTATION OF CURRENCY AND NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS
19. The statutory requirements for limiting or monitoring the
cross-border transportation of currency and monetary instruments are
ASHGABAT 00001226 003 OF 004
stipulated in the Turkmenistan Customs Code. The Customs
declaration forms are used at the border crossings for cross-border
currency reporting requirements for both inbound and outbound
currency.
20. Post does not have specific reports on cash smuggling. However,
gasoline and other commodities are smuggled routinely across the
national border. Hence, there is a possibility of smuggling other
items, including cash.
ASSET FORFEITURE AND SEIZURE LEGISLATION
21. Presidential Decree No. 6097 of January 24, 2003, authorizes
the Turkmenistan Supreme Court to open a centralized deposit account
at the CBT for receiving payments from illegal enrichment,
compensation of material loss, or other assets obtained illegally
and seized during inspection, investigation, and court trials for
all crimes, including organized crime, drug-trafficking, and
terrorist financing. The assets will remain in the Supreme Court
account until the announcement of the court's final verdict on the
case or until another decision is made.
22. The Turkmenistan Antiterrorism Law of August 15, 2003,
authorizes the government to freeze resources and/or other financial
assets, deposits, economic resources, and material values of
individuals who commit or attempt to commit terrorist acts, or
contribute to their commitment; organizations directly or indirectly
placed under ownership or under control of such individuals; and
individuals and organizations acting on behalf of the above
individuals and organizations, including any assets acquired or
received through the use of property directly or indirectly
belonging to or controlled by such individuals and/or
organizations.
23. According to the 2006-2010 National Drug Program, Turkmenistan
plans to establish special units in 2007 that will have the right to
seize assets derived from illicit drug trading.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
24. Under the 2006-2010 National Drug Program, Turkmenistan plans
to strengthen cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies in
the area of narcotics trafficking. The plan includes providing
judicial assistance to foreign competent agencies in collecting
evidence, sharing information, and providing evidence in accordance
with national legislation and international agreements.
25. Turkmenistan's counterterrorism laws require Turkmenistan to
cooperate with foreign states and international organizations in
terrorism matters and render assistance to other states in criminal
investigations and prosecutions of individuals involved in financing
or supporting terrorist activities.
26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that it distributes
information provided by the United States regarding designated
individuals and organizations subject to asset forfeiture to the
Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry
of Internal Affairs, and other concerned agencies.
27. In September 2007, the Government of Turkmenistan signed the
second amendment to the Department of State's International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement program Letter of Agreement on
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (ALOA).
28. The Government of Turkmenistan should enact appropriate
legislation and take steps to implement a comprehensive anti-money
laundering regime capable of thwarting terrorist financing that
ASHGABAT 00001226 004 OF 004
conforms to international standards. Turkmenistan should also
consider joining or becoming an observer to the new Eurasian Group
on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, a
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style Regional Body established
in October 2004. The Government of Turkmenistan joined Interpol in
September 2005. Turkmenistan is a party to the UN International
Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances, the UN Convention against Corruption, the
UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and the UN
Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
HOAGLAND
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN, INL, S/CT, EEB
JUSTICE FOR AFMLS, OIA, OPDAT
TREASURY FOR FINCEN
DUSHANBE FOR DEA
MOSCOW FOR DEA
ISLAMABAD FOR DEA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV EFIN SNAR KCRM KTFN TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN 2007-2008 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL
STRATEGY REPORT (INCSR) PART II, MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCIAL
CRIMES
Ref: SECSTATE 138130
1. This is the 2007-2008 INCSR Part II report on Turkmenistan. The
text is keyed to the questions in reftel. The Post's point of
contact for the INCSR, Part II draft is Kristine Marsh, Economic
Officer (MarshKA@state.gov).
GENERAL
2. Turkmenistan is not an important regional financial center. It
has only one international bank and a small, underdeveloped
financial sector. Foreign companies operate (but do not own) four
hotels and casinos in Turkmenistan. These entities could be
vulnerable to financial fraud and used for money laundering. The
national currency, the Turkmenistan Manat, has an unofficial, but
generally accepted, exchange rate that is four times the official
rate, creating an environment where money laundering is possible.
OFFSHORE FINANCIAL CENTERS
3. Turkmenistan has no offshore companies or banks.
FREE TRADE ZONES
4. The current Law on Free Economic Zones in Turkmenistan adopted
in 1993, and amended in 1994, determines the legal regime for
conducting business in these zones, guarantees the rights of both
foreign and domestic investors, forbids nationalization of
enterprises and discrimination against foreign investors, and
provides guarantees to foreign investors for exporting production
and repatriating after-tax profits. All related enterprises are
exempt from taxes on profits for the first three years of profitable
operation. All goods and properties must be declared when imported
into or exported from free economic zones. There are ten free
economic zones in Turkmenistan.
5. In May 2007 Turkmenistan introduced a National Tourism Zone
(NTZ) heavily promoted by President Berdimuhamedov to encourage
tourism development at a site on the Caspian Sea shore. Tax and
other incentives are provided in the new legislation passed on
October 1, but only to those willing to invest in construction of
hotels and recreational facilities. The amendments to the Tax Code
passed on October 1 exempt construction and installation of tourist
facilities in the NTZ from the Value Added Tax (VAT). Various
services of tourist facilities, including catering and
accommodation, are also VAT exempt. Income tax on accommodation and
catering of tourist facilities will not be levied for the first 15
years.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO PREVENT MONEY LAUNDERING AND THE
FINANCING OF TERRORISM
6. The Turkmen Criminal Code of June 12, 1997, Article 242
(Legalization of illegally obtained funds or other property)
prohibits money laundering.
7. The Government of Turkmenistan is working on new anti-money
laundering legislation. In 2007, the Government agreed to work with
the World Bank to review its draft anti-money laundering legislation
and establish a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
8. Turkmenistan's Banking Law of 1993 prevents disclosure of client
and ownership information by domestic and offshore financial
services companies to bank supervisors and law enforcement
authorities. However, it permits disclosure of such information
upon official request of courts and investigative agencies.
9. According to Turkmenistan's National Drug Program for 2006-2010,
development and adoption of national money laundering legislation
ASHGABAT 00001226 002 OF 004
was to have taken place in 2006-2007. Current laws don't provide
for establishment and funding of an FIU. In 2007 the Government
agreed to work with the World Bank to establish an FIU in
Turkmenistan.
FINANCIAL SECTOR
10. The Banking Supervision Department of the Central Bank of
Turkmenistan (CBT) supervises financial institutions for compliance
with anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist laws and regulations.
11. Presidential Resolution No. 0210/02-2 of October 17, 1995,
gives the CBT authority over all international financial
transactions. Under this resolution, any entity making an
electronic transfer of funds to an account abroad must provide
documentation establishing the source of the money. The CBT
regulations also permit an individual to transfer funds abroad of no
more than $15,000 every three months. Presidential Decree No. 5976
of November 20, 2002, "Strengthening the Regulations of Turkmen Bank
Operations Carried Out in Foreign Currency," orders Turkmenistan
banks to carry out correspondent, deposit, investment and other
operations in foreign currency outside Turkmenistan only through
open correspondent accounts in the CBT or State Foreign Economic
Relations Bank (Vneshekonombank).
12. There are no non-banking financial institutions other than one
state-controlled insurance company. The Ministry of National
Security (MNB),the State Tax Service and Ministry of Internal
Affairs (MVD) departments for fighting economic crimes supervise the
insurance company.
13. All financial institutions are required to report suspicious
transactions. In addition, the CBT ultimately supervises all bank
transactions.
FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT/INVESTIGATIONS
14. The country does not have an established Financial Intelligence
Unit (FIU). However, the MVD's Economic Crimes Department has
criminal and investigative responsibilities comparable to an FIU.
15. Under the 2006-2010 National Drug Program, Turkmenistan
foresees the establishment of special units for controlling
financial transactions to strengthen anti-money laundering measures,
including asset forfeiture related to illegal drug trafficking.
16. The MVD, MNB, and Prosecutor's Office are responsible for
investigating financial crimes, including money laundering and
terrorist financing.
17. To strengthen control over government assets, President
Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on establishing a Supreme Auditing
Chamber of Turkmenistan in July 2007. The Chamber is responsible
for overseeing financial and economical activities by government
institutions and ensuring proper, lawful, and effective use of state
property and funds.
18. The Embassy regularly provides terrorist financing information
regarding UN and U.S.-designated individuals and organizations
subject to asset forfeiture to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MFA). The MFA reports that it distributes this information to the
Ministry of Economy and Finance, MNB, MVD, and other concerned
agencies.
CROSS BORDER TRANSPORTATION OF CURRENCY AND NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS
19. The statutory requirements for limiting or monitoring the
cross-border transportation of currency and monetary instruments are
ASHGABAT 00001226 003 OF 004
stipulated in the Turkmenistan Customs Code. The Customs
declaration forms are used at the border crossings for cross-border
currency reporting requirements for both inbound and outbound
currency.
20. Post does not have specific reports on cash smuggling. However,
gasoline and other commodities are smuggled routinely across the
national border. Hence, there is a possibility of smuggling other
items, including cash.
ASSET FORFEITURE AND SEIZURE LEGISLATION
21. Presidential Decree No. 6097 of January 24, 2003, authorizes
the Turkmenistan Supreme Court to open a centralized deposit account
at the CBT for receiving payments from illegal enrichment,
compensation of material loss, or other assets obtained illegally
and seized during inspection, investigation, and court trials for
all crimes, including organized crime, drug-trafficking, and
terrorist financing. The assets will remain in the Supreme Court
account until the announcement of the court's final verdict on the
case or until another decision is made.
22. The Turkmenistan Antiterrorism Law of August 15, 2003,
authorizes the government to freeze resources and/or other financial
assets, deposits, economic resources, and material values of
individuals who commit or attempt to commit terrorist acts, or
contribute to their commitment; organizations directly or indirectly
placed under ownership or under control of such individuals; and
individuals and organizations acting on behalf of the above
individuals and organizations, including any assets acquired or
received through the use of property directly or indirectly
belonging to or controlled by such individuals and/or
organizations.
23. According to the 2006-2010 National Drug Program, Turkmenistan
plans to establish special units in 2007 that will have the right to
seize assets derived from illicit drug trading.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
24. Under the 2006-2010 National Drug Program, Turkmenistan plans
to strengthen cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies in
the area of narcotics trafficking. The plan includes providing
judicial assistance to foreign competent agencies in collecting
evidence, sharing information, and providing evidence in accordance
with national legislation and international agreements.
25. Turkmenistan's counterterrorism laws require Turkmenistan to
cooperate with foreign states and international organizations in
terrorism matters and render assistance to other states in criminal
investigations and prosecutions of individuals involved in financing
or supporting terrorist activities.
26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that it distributes
information provided by the United States regarding designated
individuals and organizations subject to asset forfeiture to the
Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry
of Internal Affairs, and other concerned agencies.
27. In September 2007, the Government of Turkmenistan signed the
second amendment to the Department of State's International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement program Letter of Agreement on
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (ALOA).
28. The Government of Turkmenistan should enact appropriate
legislation and take steps to implement a comprehensive anti-money
laundering regime capable of thwarting terrorist financing that
ASHGABAT 00001226 004 OF 004
conforms to international standards. Turkmenistan should also
consider joining or becoming an observer to the new Eurasian Group
on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, a
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style Regional Body established
in October 2004. The Government of Turkmenistan joined Interpol in
September 2005. Turkmenistan is a party to the UN International
Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances, the UN Convention against Corruption, the
UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and the UN
Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
HOAGLAND