Reports about money laundering must be submitted via goAML

25/07/2017 14:01:00

From 12 June 2017, reports by solicitors about money laundering suspicion can only be submitted electronically to An Garda Síochána via the new goAML website.

Solicitors can access An Garda Síochána’s information about the new process on the goAML website.

What is goAML?

goAML is an online software solution specifically designed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for use by state Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) throughout the world. Approximately thirty FIUs around the world use goAML, with many more in the process of acquiring it. An Garda Síochána’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has acquired goAML which was launched on Monday 12 June 2017.

Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) pursuant to section 42 Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 were previously received by the FIU and Office of the Revenue Commissioners in paper format. However, from now on, goAML is the online system through which designated bodies, including solicitors, will submit money laundering suspicion reports to An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána have advised that they will no longer accept paper reports on the ML1 Standard Reporting Form and all designated bodies, including solicitors, must submit reports using goAML. 

The new website www.fiu-ireland.ie will feature the goAML system.  Visit An Garda Síochána’s main website for further information and links to user documents and how-to videos. 

Register to use goAML

Prior to being able to submit an STR online for the first time, a firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) must register his/her entity on the FIU Ireland website. For help to explain the registration process:

Solicitors will need to register as an entity/organisation. Once the registration has been completed, FIU Ireland will authorise each reporting entity as a user of goAML and STRs can then be submitted electronically to the FIU.

How to submit reports using goAML

Please note that while you will receive an automatic acknowledgement when an STR is accepted by the FIU, An Garda Síochána have advised that periodic feedback as to the status of each STR will cease. If the FIU needs to communicate with the MLRO on individual STRs, this will be done via the secure message board.

If you need help with goAML

If your firm experiences any difficulties with the registration process or with the electronic submission of STRs, you can email the FIU at fiu-ireland@garda.ie outlining the specific problem(s) and a member of the FIU team will revert with assistance.

In urgent matters, direct contact should be made by telephoning the FIU at 01 6663714.

Copy your goAML report to the Revenue Commissioners

As solicitors will already be aware, there is a dual reporting obligation to both An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners (RC). 

Once an STR has been accepted by the FIU, this exact STR can be printed and forwarded to the RC as is currently the procedure because the RC have stated that they are willing to receive STRs in this goAML format as opposed to being on the paper ML1 Form. 

We understand that the FIU is currently engaging with the RC with regard to goAML.  While the RC is not, at this juncture, planning to acquire goAML, they are exploring available options which would allow them to also receive STRs electronically. 

Additional goAML features

goAML features include:

  • Secure submission of STRs.
  • Electronic receipts for submitted STRs.
  • Reduced cost on postage and stationary.
  • Multiple users - The goAML website allows for multiple users to be registered for each reporting entity.
  • Message board - goAML features a message board that will allow a reporting entity to communicate directly and securely with the FIU.
  • Trends, typologies or alerts - The FIU will use the message board to share information on various money laundering & terrorist financing trends and typologies resulting from the analysis of STRs, etc.  In the event that reporting entities need to be quickly alerted concerning particular suspicious/fraudulent activities identified from STRs, this can be done via the message board.
  • Statistics - goAML contains a feature which allows for reporting entities to maintain statistics on data of interest such as the number of STRs that they have submitted to the FIU, etc.

Quick links to An Garda Síochána how- to guides and videos