From March 20 to 22, 36 representatives from 19 countries are participating in Port-au-Prince at an international seminar on fiscal fraud, organized by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), in partnership with the "Centre de Rencontres et d’Études des Dirigeants des Administrations Fiscales" (CREDAF) [a foreign organization]. Facilitate trade between the member countries of the Committee on the issues of the fight against international tax fraud and finding solutions is the objective of this seminar, which is part of strengthening of capacity of tax administrations.

Gilles Berteau, Secretary General of CREDAF recalled that "in all countries, companies and individuals generally tend to want to escape their fiscal obligations [...] They use the weaknesses of institutions and laws to escape to their fiscals obligations, hence the necessity to strengthen the fight against fiscal fraud." During these three days, among other topics such: the identification, detection, control, sanctions, adopting methods fight against fraud are discussed.

"Fiscal fraud at the international level, reached hundreds of billions of dollars," indicated Jean Baptiste Neptune Clark, Director General of the DGI adding that "to win this battle, countries must establish a true partnership [...] This struggle must be at all times."

"To fight against fraud, countries must have or develop an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework but also provide the means to enforce these rules and penalties that result," stated Gilles Berteau.

While this important seminar takes place, the law sanctioning the money laundering and terrorist financing approved by the Senate, has not yet passed to the Chamber of Deputies. The deadline for the vote expired on March 15, but the leaders of the Association of Professional Bankers (APB) have obtained an extension until March 27.

However, there is no guarantee that the law will be passed in a week by the Deputies...

According to Mr. Charles, President of the PDB, unless to obtain a moratorium, passed March 27, Haiti will be under international investigations for 6 months "And already, we begin to feel some effects of economic sanctions" After these 6 months, if the situation is not regularized, Haiti will be declared non-cooperative country and will undergo economic sanctions.

Jean Renel Sanon, Minister of Justice and Public Security stated that without the passage of this law by the Deputies "Money transfer will be more expensive and Haitian banks that have deposits abroad, may have to pay fines on their account. The country will undergo economic sanctions and every citizen will be the victim."

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre