2013-09-30 | FPR/DIR/CIR/GEN/03/006

To All Authorized Delears,Bureaux De Change and General Public

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licenses of 20 Bureaux De Change due to their failure to render returns on foreign exchange purchases and provide documentary evidence for eligible transactions as required by relevant laws and regulations. The CBN found that these BDCs purchased unusually large amounts of foreign exchange without proper documentation. As a result, the EFCC has been requested to investigate the matter for possible prosecution. This decision reflects the Nigerian government's commitment to combating money laundering and the CBN's strict enforcement of regulatory standards.

lation Department entral Business Distri Tel: 09-46237423 E-mail: fprd@cbn.gov.ng FPR/ DIR/CIR/GEN/03/006 26th September, 2013 TO: ALL AUTHORIZED DEALERS, BUREAUX DE CHANGE AND GENERAL PUBLIC REVOCATION OF THE OPERATING LICENCES OF 20 BUREAUX DE CHANGE In the course of our routine examination of the sale and utilization of foreign exchange, the Central Bank of Nigeria discovered that some operators of Bureaux De Change (BDC) purchased unusual large amounts of foreign exchange from some Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

The affected BDCs did not render returns on the utilization of the foreign exchange purchased and also failed to provide documentary evidence that their purchases were utilized for eligible transactions in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibitions) Act 2011 ( as amended), Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended), CBN Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism Regulations, 2013, the CBN Foreign Exchange Manual and the extant Guidelines for the Operations of BDCs in Nigeria.

Consequently, the operating licences of the 20 (twenty) BDCs have been revoked by the CBN.

Also, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been requested to investigate the matter for the prosecution of indicted persons. This, we hope, would serve as a deterrent to others and demonstrate Government's resolve to stamp out money laundering and also the Bank's zero tolerance for regulatory infractions. The names of the affected BDCs are contained in the table attached to this circular.

All Authorized Dealers and the general public are advised to take note of this revocation for compliance, please.

OBOT.

For: Director, Financial Policy & Regulation Department Page 1 of 2

S/NoName of BDCRCCBN BIDDING
NUMBERCODE
IFBN BDC67080020807
20068
2AMITY GLOBAL BDC LTD698204
3HARUNA A. RAHAMAN BDC LTD73454521029
4MAJIA BDC LTD75633521048
5AHALI BDC LTD91449822067
6LAWABASH BDC LTD.20286
7BIN DAHUUD BDC LTD67128620019
8GARIN GABAS BDC663922-
9D & D BDC LTD78247721320
10DAYTRADER BDC LTD89839221931
11FATAHUL BDC LTD795263.
12GLOBAL PAYMENTS BDC LTD90228221803
13STARTIME BDC LTD78614921401
14PLANET VENTURES BDC LTD82104121406
FADIMA BDC LTD89042421847
16OPTIMUM BDC LTD74990221079
17SECON BDC LTD73486921110
18ASABANA BDC LTD72835120276
19MAIKSAL BDC LTD74826421011
20ALIM BDC LTD89100121708

LIST OF REVOKED BUREAUX DE CHANGE Note: This Circular supersedes the earlier version posted on 27th September, 2013 on the same subject, please.

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Tags
aml
enforcement
fx
licensing