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Tax evasion
In Belgium, the financial sector acts as a me-
diator between the financial and economic ac-
tors, the citizens and the governmental bod-
ies. It deals with most financial flows, which
means it is in a position to facilitate the collec-
tion of a number of taxes such as the deduc-
tion of the withholding tax on securities or the
withholding tax on professional income.
In neighbouring countries, the financial sec-
tors do not have this role and therefore they
need not act in the event of tax evasion. The fi-
nancial sector wishes to develop into a system
in which tax collection is done via alternative
channels (for example via the tax return). That
way, it will have to make additional efforts in
the field of information exchange, but it will
be able to release operational funds that can
be used for financial services.
Tax optimisation
The financial institutions help their custom-
ers to optimise their financial flows in such a
manner that the latter can enjoy the best pos-
sible conditions in respect of taxes. It is im-
portant, however, to point out that a clear dif-
ference is made between this tax optimisation
and tax fraud.
Secure internet banking
The financial sector does not only endeavour
to prevent and fight money-laundering prac-
tices, it also undertakes to attack fraud via in-
ternet banking.
For years the financial institutions have
cooperated intensively with the National Bank
of Belgium (NBB) and the Federal Com-
puter Crime Unit (FCCU within the Federal
Police) in all aspects of secure internet bank-
ing. Within Febelfin specific working groups
were set up that meet regularly to discuss in-
ternet banking and card payments.
In the tracing and prosecuting of money
mules (persons who act as intermediaries for
criminal organisations by transferring fraudu-
lently obtained money for criminal organ-
isations) the financial agencies work closely
together with the competent authorities. They
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Ethical enterprise
NUMBER OF SUSPECT TRANSACTIONS REPORTED PER PERSON OR BODY WITH A DUTY TO REPORT
(
SOURCE: CTIF-CFI)
2009
2010
2011
%2011
Exchange offices
9.973
11.491
12.364
61,82
Credit institutions
3.628
3.870
3.831
19,15
Casino owners
9
1.055
912
952
4,76
The Mail –bpost
584
471
634
3,17
Notaries
251
163
319
10
1,59
Life insurance companies
82
76
81
0,40