Annual Report 2023

According to the newly published data, the number of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) processed by MROS saw a notable increase to 11,876 SARs in 2023, which is approximately 47 SARs each working day. This marks a substantial rise of 55.5% compared to the 7,639 SARs recorded in 2022. Since the introduction of the goAML information system in January 2020, the number of SARs has more than doubled, showing a tenfold increase over the last decade.

A large majority, 90.5%, of these SARs originated from financial intermediaries within the banking sector. The report also highlighted an increasing engagement with cryptocurrencies, which were involved in 14.5% of all SARs in 2023.

Interestingly, the report also notes a decrease in cases forwarded to prosecution authorities with 866 cases in 2023, a drop of 29.7% from the previous year. However, the complexity and scope of these cases have increased, as evidenced by the higher average number of SARs per forwarded case and enhanced supplementary information processing.

Additionally, the report discusses cross-border information sharing activities. MROS made 280 requests to 67 foreign FIUs and received 705 requests from 92 different FIUs. The exchange of spontaneous information also remained active with 726 reports received from 53 countries.

The document covers other essential areas, such as the application of the risk-based approach and overall advancements in the antimoney laundering and counter terrorism financing framework.

Comments by Pietro Odorisio