Penalties for Non-compliance

Non-compliance with Part 1 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) Terrorist Financing Act may result in criminal or administrative penalties. Both criminal and administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) cannot be issued against the same instances of non-compliance.

Administrative Monetary Penalties

Since December 30, 2008, FINTRAC has legislative authority to issue an administrative monetary penalty (AMP) to reporting entities that are in non-compliance with Canada's Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

Criminal Penalties

FINTRAC may disclose cases of non-compliance to law enforcement when there is extensive non-compliance or little expectation of immediate or future compliance. Criminal penalties may include the following:

• Failure to report suspicious transactions: up to
  $2 million and/or 5 years imprisonment.
• Failure to report a large cash transaction or an electronic funds transfer: up to $500,000 for the first offence, $1 million for subsequent offences.
• Failure to meet record keeping requirements: up to $500,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment.
• Failure to provide assistance or provide information during compliance examination: up to $500,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment.
• Disclosing the fact that a suspicious transaction report was made, or disclosing the contents of such a report, with the intent to prejudice a criminal investigation: up to 2 years imprisonment.