WRITTEN QUESTION E-0627/01

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 March 2001)

Subject: Money laundering casinos

In drawing up its Directives to amend Council Directive 91/308/EEC(1) on money laundering casinos, what consultations did the Commission enter into with representatives of casinos in the EU?

(1) OJ L 166, 28.6.1991, p. 77.

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2001)

The Commission's proposal for a Parliament and Council Directive amending Council Directive 91/308/EEC of 10 June 1991 on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering(1) envisaged the extension of the anti-money laundering obligations to a number of non-financial professions and activities, namely external accountants and auditors, real estate agents, notaries and lawyers, certain dealers in high-value items, transporters of funds and casinos.

This extension was a response to the wishes expressed by the Member States and the Parliament for urgent action to reinforce the Community anti-money laundering defences.

Given the priority attached to this new initiative, the Commission did not issue any green paper or other consultative document prior to launching its proposal. However, following the publication of its proposal, the Commission received and held discussions with representatives of any of the above-mentioned professions and activities that sought a meeting.

As far as the casino sector is concerned, the Commission has in recent months been in contact with the European Casino Forum, representatives of casinos from one Member State and trade union officials representing casino workers.

(1) OJ C 177 E, 27.6.2000.