Valery FILIAEV, a 49 year old Russian national and Gro Kristen NILSEN, a 45 year old Norwegian national appeared before Magistrates Court this morning after having been charged with offences under the Proceeds of Crimes Act 2015 and Crimes Act 2011.

FILIAEV and NILSEN were arrested in November 2016 by officers of the RGP’s Money Laundering Investigation Unit (MLIU) on suspicion of money laundering. The arrests followed a proactive investigation carried out by the MLIU in conjunction with the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) into the formation of Gibraltar registered companies for third parties outside Gibraltar. After being interviewed by police they were released on bail whilst the investigation was continued.

On surrendering to their bail this morning FILIAVEV and NILSEN were jointly charged with:

• 3X counts of Entering into or being concerned in a Money Laundering Arrangement under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2015
• 3x counts of Failing to Conduct Due Diligence under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2015
• Failing to Keep Records under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2015.
• Carrying out a Controlled Activity without a Licence under the Financial Services Investment and Fiduciary Services Act 1989.

FILIAEV was also charged with:

• Forgery under the Crimes Act 2011.
• Possession of Articles for use in Fraud under the Crimes Act 2011

FILIAEV and NILSEN have pleaded guilty to the offences of carrying out a controlled activity and pleaded not guilty for the other charges. They have been granted Court Bail and are due to appear before the Magistrates’ Court again on Tuesday 21st November 2017 when the Court will decide on whether it will accept jurisdiction or commit the matter to the Supreme Court.