BVI Handbook on International Cooperation and Information Exchange

British Virgin Islands
Handbook on International Co-operation and Information Exchange A Guide for Regulators and Judicial and Law Enforcement Officials Published by:
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission April 2007 Revised: June 2013 Revised: February 2025

If crime crosses all borders, so must law enforcement. If the rule of law is undermined not only in one country, but in many, then those who defend it cannot limit themselves to purely national means. If the enemies of progress and human rights seek to exploit the openness and opportunities of globalization for their purposes, then we must exploit those very same factors to defend human rights, and defeat the forces of crime, corruption, and trafficking in human beings. UN Secretary General, 2000

Contents

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND INFORMATION
EXCHANGE..........................................................................................................................................5
KEY TREATIES AND INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES RELATIVE TOINTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
TREATIES.............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances,
1988 ...........................................................................................................................................7
2.2 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, 1999 ........................7
2.3 UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, 2000......................................7
2.4 UN Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters,
1970 ...........................................................................................................................................7
2.5 UN Convention Against Corruption, 2003.......................................................................8
2.6 The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations...........................................9
2.7 International Monetary Fund (IMF).................................................................................9
2.8 The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) .......................................................9
2.9 International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)...................................10
2.10 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Global
Forum .........................................................................................................................................10
2.11 International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS)............................................10
2.12 Group of International Finance Centre Supervisors (GIFCS) ........................................10
2.13 Organisations with which the BVI has a Working Relationship....................................11
THE BVI’s INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION REGIME ...............................................................12
3.1 The Legislative Regime ...................................................................................................12
3.2 Synopsis of the Legislation .............................................................................................14
3.3 BVI Central Authorities...................................................................................................19
3.4 Range of Assistance........................................................................................................20
THE LAW OF PROVIDING LEGAL ASSISTANCE.........................................................................22
4.1 Law Enforcement............................................................................................................22
LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CIVIL OR COMMERCIAL PROCEEDINGS OVERSEAS ..........................26
5.1 Scope of Assistance ........................................................................................................26
5.2 Requirements for the Grant of Assistance ....................................................................26
5.3 Limitation on Cooperation .............................................................................................26
CO-OPERATION WITH FOREIGN REGULATORY AUTHORITIES................................................28

6.1 FSC’s Duty to Cooperate (Scope of Assistance).............................................................28
6.2 What Constitutes a “Financial Crime” ...........................................................................28
6.3 FSC’s Power to Request Documents and Information..................................................28
6.4 Power to Examine a Person Under Oath.......................................................................29
6.5 Effecting Assistance........................................................................................................30
6.6 Considerations Precedent to Effecting Assistance........................................................30
6.7 Point at Which a Request for Onward Disclosure Can be Made..................................31
6.8 Privileged Information and Documents.........................................................................31
6.9 Protection from Disclosure ............................................................................................31
6.10 Restrictions on Disclosure of Information (Protected Information) ............................31
6.11 Exceptions to the Restrictions on Disclosure of Information.......................................32
6.12 Assisting the FSC to Protect the Public..........................................................................32
7. MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN TAX MATTERS......................................................................34
7.1 Aiming for a Level Playing Field .....................................................................................34
7.2 Scope of Assistance ........................................................................................................34
7.3 Powers Exercisable by the Central Authority (CA)........................................................34
7.4 Conditions Precedent to Providing Assistance..............................................................35
7.5 Declining a Request for Legal Assistance.......................................................................36
7.6 Protection for Disclosure................................................................................................36
7.7 Restrictions on Disclosure of Information.....................................................................36
8. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS RELATIVE TO REQUESTS FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE ....................37
8.1 Supplemental Requests..................................................................................................37
8.2 Costs of Providing Assistance.........................................................................................37
8.3 Representation in Court.................................................................................................37
8.4 Presence of Foreign Investigators..................................................................................37
8.5 Requests Sent to the Wrong Central Authority ............................................................38
8.6 Requests for Legal Assistance that Lack Relevant Information....................................38
8.7 Resolving Disputes between Central Authorities..........................................................38
9. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND EXECUTION OF REQUESTS FOR LEGAL
ASSISTANCE ......................................................................................................................................39

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE
It is globally recognised that cross-border co-operation and co-ordination of efforts are the most viable tools in the international response to organised crime and, in particular, money laundering, terrorism and terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Those bent on perpetrating and perpetuating organised crime often use the legitimate institutions and facilities established and recognised under law to disguise their transactions and give them a semblance of legitimacy. In many instances, the results of such transactions, where they are successful, are employed to further other criminal activities. The nature of organised crime is such that it permeates national borders and assumes an international character. This makes it difficult for any country on its own to efficiently and effectively investigate and prosecute acts of criminality without the aid of other countries in which or through which the act of criminal conduct extends. Thus, the efficient and effective combating of organised crime calls for a collaborative effort and co-operation between countries and at an international level. Such co-operation must be robust and multi-faceted to significantly thwart criminals from designing and executing their criminal intents. This co-operative approach recognises the mutuality of interest in maintaining law and order in society as well as ensuring the legitimate use of financial and other institutions to protect the security and financial stability of our communities. The world’s economies are in many ways intertwined and the disruption of one often has negative consequences for others, albeit to varying degrees. It therefore becomes incumbent on every jurisdiction – large and small – to put in place domestic measures and mechanisms geared towards fighting organised crime and, above all, to create an effective regime of assistance and cooperation to aid law enforcement institutions or agencies of other countries in this fight. Such measures and mechanisms, coupled with an effective implementation process, act as a buffer in denying criminals a safe haven within which to engage in criminal activities. Organised crime is far-reaching and extends to the market regulation and tax administration sectors; there are also individuals and business entities which exploit for ill-gain the legitimate business mechanisms designed to facilitate commerce and trade. The manipulation of the securities market, insider dealing, abuse of corporate vehicles, evading legitimate taxes– usually by employing unlawful means and disguising the true nature of investment business to the detriment of investors– are all forms of illegal activity which, if not checked, can bring about financial instability and disrupt otherwise orderly economies. These areas therefore warrant the application of the benefits associated with established regimes of international co-operation, both nationally and internationally. Another significant
area of international co-operation relates to extradition. Extradition serves as an effective medium of denying criminals a safe sanctuary; they may flee from the jurisdiction where they perpetrate their crimes, but they are not beyond the reach of law enforcement and prosecution. While generally the extradition of criminals is founded on bilateral agreements and arrangements, the increasing trend in multilateral treaties is that where national laws do not provide for a legislative mechanism for the extradition of criminals, the relevant treaty may be used as the basis for effecting extradition. Extradition is an effective tool of law enforcement by which to bring fugitive criminals to justice and one deserving of the maximum level of international co-operation to achieve that purpose.

The British Virgin Islands has for over thirty years been involved in international co-operation matters by providing mutual legal assistance. The Territory’s various cooperation regimes assistance regimes have been continually reviewed and updated as necessary, taking into account domestic initiatives designed to strengthen the regimes and standards developed internationally. It remains the Government’s aim, along with the Financial Services Commission in the discharge of its responsibilities, to ensure that all regimes administered in the name and on behalf of the Territory are kept attuned with developments in the international arena in relation to effectively combating crime and regulatory breaches.

KEY TREATIES AND INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES
RELATIVE TO INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
TREATIES
International efforts, through the formulation and adoption of treaties, have been (and continue to be) marshalled in effectively combating organised crime. A brief survey of those treaties applied by the British Virgin Islands is outlined below.
2.1 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances, 1988
This treaty deals with issues concerning the drug trade and related law enforcement issues, including the need for the parties thereto to establish relevant regimes of international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking. It also regulates specified precursor chemicals to drugs.
2.2 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, 1999
The terrorist attacks on the USA on September 11, 2001 brought this treaty into greater prominence and countries were required to establish administrative, legislative and enforcement mechanisms to effectively combat the financing of terrorism in or from within their territories. In essence, the treaty criminalises the provision or collection of funds designed to be applied for terrorist purposes or to cause death or injury of a civilian; it requires the adoption of appropriate measures to identify, detect and freeze or forfeit any such funds. The treaty also requires countries to afford each other maximum cooperation in relation to criminal investigations, extradition and the obtaining of evidence founded on a mutual legal assistance request. In that context, it encourages the sharing of information or evidence to establish criminal, civil or administrative liability.
2.3 UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, 2000
This treaty, in essence, represents an expanded collaborative international effort in fighting international organised crime in all its facets, including the trafficking in humans. It calls on parties to the treaty to foster and promote international cooperation in effectively combating cross-border criminal activities; it also encourages cooperation and exchange of information between administrative, law enforcement, regulatory and other authorities, both at the domestic and international levels.
2.4 UN Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or
Commercial Matters, 1970
The essence of this treaty is to promote international judicial cooperation through the transmission and execution of requests in relation to civil and commercial matters. It envisages a judicial authority of one country making a request of another to obtain evidence or perform some other specified judicial act.

2.5 UN Convention Against Corruption, 2003
This treaty complements the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and introduces a comprehensive set of standards, measures and rules that all countries can apply to strengthen their legal and regulatory regimes to fight corruption. It calls for preventive measures and the criminalisation of the most prevalent forms of corruption in both public and private sectors and introduces a framework for stronger cooperation between States to prevent and detect corruption and to return the proceeds of related crimes. In addition to these treaties, the British Virgin Islands also implements relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The following Resolutions are given effect:

UN Security Council Resolution S/RES/1267 (1999)
UNSCR 1267 places an obligation on States to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources derived or generated from property owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the Taliban, or by any undertaking owned or controlled by the Taliban; prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by such designated individuals; and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories, or by their nationals outside their territories, or via use of their flag on vessels or aircraft, of arms and related material of all types, including spare parts, technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to such designated individuals and entities. UNSCR 1267 is supported by various successor UNSCRs which are recognised and enforced by the Virgin Islands.
UN Security Council Resolution S/RES/1373 (2001)
UNSCR 1373 calls for the prevention and suppression of the financing of terrorist acts and for the freezing without delay of funds and other financial assets or economic resources of persons who commit, or attempt to commit, terrorist acts or participate in or facilitate the commission of terrorist acts; of entities owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such persons; and of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of such persons and entities, including funds derived or generated from property owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such persons and associated persons and entities. States are also required to prohibit their nationals or any persons and entities within their territories from making any funds, financial assets or economic resources or financial or other related services available, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of persons who commit or attempt to commit or facilitate or participate in the commission of terrorist acts; of entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such persons and of persons and entities acting on behalf of or at the direction of such persons.
UN Security Council Resolution S/RES/1718 (2006)
UNSCR 1718 imposes an arms embargo which also encompasses a ban on related financial transactions, technical training or services on the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea (DPRK); the ban extends to nuclear, ballistic missiles and other weapons of mass destruction programs-related embargo; a ban on the export of luxury goods to the DPRK; and individual targeted sanctions – namely, a travel ban and/or an assets freeze on designated persons and entities associated with the DPRK.
UN Security Council Resolution S/RES/2231 (2015)
These UN Security Council Resolutions have been implemented within the Virgin Islands under the following legislation:
The Afghanistan (Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order, 2020
The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida (Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order 2016 (U.K.S.I. 2016 No.

The Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order, 2020
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order 2020 (U.K.S.I,
2012 No. 3066)
The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (Overseas Territories) Order 2020 (U.K.S.I. 2020 No. 1563)
INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES
2.6 The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations
The FATF is the standard setter in developing and promoting national and international policies geared towards the effective combating of money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF) and the financing of proliferation (PF). It aims to foster legislative, regulatory and enforcement reforms amongst jurisdictions to stem the tide of money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation. The International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation – The FATF Recommendations represent a comprehensive AML/CFT/CPF framework and are designed for universal application. The policies of the FATF are supported by the work of the FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs), such as the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) of which the BVI is an active founding member, and other international affiliates.
2.7 International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The BVI’s relationship with the IMF comes as a result of assessments conducted by the IMF to ensure the ongoing stability of the BVI’s financial sector. In 2004, the BVI was assessed by the IMF under its Offshore Financial Centre (OFC) program. In 2010, the BVI underwent a further review, the focus of which was on the BVI’s financial regulatory policies and financial stability, and covered both regulation and supervision, and matters relating to the soundness of the financial system and its ability to cope with stress. The assessment included a review of the BVI’s international cooperation regime, as the ability to share information and cooperate with other authorities is a crucial aspect of any jurisdiction’s financial stability.
2.8 The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)
The CFATF is a Caribbean regional institution established to implement compliance standards and, where necessary, design appropriate implementation measures in relation to money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and the financing of proliferation. It promotes amongst its membership the adoption of sound and effective measures to combat money laundering activities and the financing of terrorism and proliferation, and puts in place appropriate mechanisms for monitoring compliance. It also requires its members to establish appropriate frameworks for promoting international cooperation. The BVI is a founding member of the organisation and works actively in supporting and promoting the ideals and

measures of the organisation.
2.9 International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)
IOSCO is the international standard setter for securities market regulation. Its broad mission is to promote high standards of regulation so that securities markets everywhere are fair, efficient and sound. IOSCO’s membership comprises regulators with responsibility for more than 95 percent of the world’s securities markets. In recognition of its robust international standards, the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission was welcomed as an ordinary member at IOSCO’s Annual Conference in Mumbai, India in April 2007.
2.10 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and
the Global Forum
Although the BVI is not a member of the OECD, it has a close working relationship with it through the BVI’s membership in the OECD Global Forum. The initiative with which the BVI is involved with respect to the organisation relates to the subject of promoting tax competition by ensuring transparency and effective exchange of information. The BVI subscribes to the principle of transparency and the effective exchange of information and has been assessed by the Peer Review Group (the assessment organ of the Global Forum) in this regard on tax related matters. The BVI considers assessments by international independent institutions as key in its international cooperation process as it positively aids the process of continual review and reform of relevant laws, administrative systems and law enforcement mechanisms. Accordingly, recommendations emanating from these assessments are reviewed and implemented to strengthen the BVI’s international cooperation regime.
2.11 International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS)
The IAIS is the international standard setting organisation established to promote cooperation amongst insurance supervisors and other financial sector supervisors. IAIS recognises the important contribution that strong supervisory regimes can make to financial stability and provides an effective forum for standard-setting and implementation activities by providing opportunities to both practitioners and policy makers to share their expertise, experience and understanding. Involvement of its diversified membership reflects the increasingly global nature of insurance markets and the need for consistent supervisory standards and practices. In addition, IAIS works closely with other financial sector standard setting bodies and international organisations to promote financial stability. The BVI Financial Services Commission has been a member of IAIS since 1997.
2.12 Group of International Finance Centre Supervisors (GIFCS)
The GIFCS is a long-established group of financial services supervisors with a core interest of promoting the adoption of international regulatory standards especially in the banking, fiduciary and AML/CFT/CPF arena. GIFCS contributes to the promotion of compliance among its membership with the Basel Core Principles and the FATF Recommendations and is recognised as a leading authority on the regulation of trust and company service providers. It was responsible for developing the OGBS Statement of Best Practice on Trust and Corporate Service Providers which has become a benchmark assessment tool adopted by the IMF in relation to its assessment of fiduciary business. The BVI Financial Services Commission

became a full member of GIFCS in 2007.
2.13 Organisations with which the BVI has a Working Relationship
Other organisations with which the BVI has a working relationship include:

Association of Supervisors of Banks of the Americas (ASBA)
Caribbean Group of Banking Supervisors (CGBS)
International Association of Insolvency Regulators (IAIR)
Offshore Group of Insurance Supervisors (OGIS)
Caribbean Association of Insurance Regulators (CAIR)
Financial Stability Board Regional Consultative Group of the Americas (FSB RCGA)

THE BVI’s INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION REGIME
The BVI boasts a comprehensive framework of mutual legal assistance and international cooperation legislation to assist foreign judicial, law enforcement, prosecutorial, tax and regulatory authorities. The framework provides an efficient and effective mechanism for cross-border cooperation and exchange of information. The legislative regime and enforcement tools are continually reviewed and, where necessary, reformed, to keep attuned to emerging developments in the domestic and international arenas. Under the current regime, assistance is provided to relevant competent authorities and not to individual non-governmental persons or institutions. Individuals who desire assistance are advised to liaise with the relevant central authorities in the countries to seek advice on the way forward.
3.1 The Legislative Regime
The BVI’s mutual legal assistance legislative regime comprises the following enactments:
(a) Evidence (Proceedings in Foreign Jurisdictions) Act, Revised Edition 2023 (b) Mutual Legal Assistance (United States of America) Act, Revised Edition 2020 (c) Drug Trafficking Offences Act, Revised Edition 2020 Amendments

Drug Trafficking Offences (Amendment) Act, 2021
Drug Trafficking Offences (Amendment) Act, 2023
Subsidiary Legislation
Drug Trafficking Offences (Designated Countries and Territories) Order, Revised
Edition 2013
Drug Trafficking Offences (Enforcement of Overseas Confiscation Orders) Order,
Revised Edition 2020
(d) Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Act, Revised Edition 2020 Amendments
Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) (Amendment) Act, 2021
Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) (Amendment) Act, 2023
Subsidiary Legislation
Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) (Enforcement of Overseas Forfeiture
Orders) Order, Revised Edition 2020
(e) Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act, Revised Edition, 2020 Amendments
Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Amendment) Act, 2021
Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Amendment) Act, 2022
Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Amendment) Act, 2023
Subsidiary Legislation
Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Designated Countries and Territories) Order,
Revised Edition 2013
Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Enforcement of External Confiscation Orders) Order,
Revised Edition 2020
Anti-money Laundering Regulations, Revised Edition 2020
Anti-money Laundering (Amendment) Regulations, 2022
Anti-money Laundering (Amendment) Regulations, 2023
Anti-money Laundering (Amendment) Regulations, 2024
Anti-money Laundering (Amendment) Regulations, 2025
Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Code of Practice, Revised Edition
Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Code of Practice,
Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Code of
Practice, 2023
Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Code of Practice,
Non-financial Businesses Designation Notice, Revised Edition 2020
(f) Financial Services Commission Act, Revised Edition 2020 Amendments
Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Act, 2021
Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Act, 2022
Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023
Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Act, 2024
Subsidiary Legislation
Numerous subsidiary legislation have been enacted under the Financial Services Commission Act, however, these subsidiary legislation do not deal specifically with matters of international cooperation and information exchange and have therefore not been included in this Handbook. (g) Financial Investigation Agency Act, Revised Edition 2020 Amendments
Financial Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2021
Financial Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2023
Financial Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2024
(h) International Tax Authority Act, Revised Edition 2020 Amendments
International Tax Authority (Amendment) Act, 2022
International Tax Authority (Amendment) Act, 2023

Subsidiary Legislation

International Tax Authority (Administrative Penalties) Regulations, 2023
(i) Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, Revised Edition 2020 Amendments
Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) (Amendment) Act, 2022
Subsidiary Legislation
Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Order, Revised Edition 2020
Other subsidiary legislation has been enacted under the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act that does not deal specifically with matters of international cooperation and information exchange and have therefore not been included in this Handbook. (j) Proliferation Financing (Prohibition) Act, 2021 Amendments
Proliferation Financing (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2024
(k) Counter-Terrorism Act, 2021
Amendments
Counter-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2023
Counter-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2024
(l)The Terrorism (United Nations Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2001 (U.K.S.I. 2001 No. 3366) (m) The Anti-terrorism (Financial and Other Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2002 (U.K.S.I. 2002 No. 1822) (n) The Extradition Act (Cap. 121) and the Extradition Act 2003 (Overseas Territories) Order 2016 (U.K.S.I. 2016 No. 990) (o) The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida (United Nations Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order 2020 (U.K.S.I. 2020 No. 1608) (p) The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order 2020 (U.K.S.I. 2020 No. 1561) (q) The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (Overseas Territories) Order 2020 (U.K.S.I. 2020 No.1563)
3.2 Synopsis of the Legislation
3.2.1 Evidence (Proceedings in Foreign Jurisdictions) Act, Revised Edition 2023

This Act essentially gives effect to the provisions of the Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters, 1970. The Act empowers the High Court to issue an order for the obtaining of evidence in the BVI for the purpose of giving effect to foreign requests for assistance. Such an order made by the Court may provide for the examination of witnesses (orally or in writing), production of documents, inspection, photographing, preservation, custody or detention of property, or medical examination of a person. The limitation, however, is that any steps to be taken in obtaining evidence must relate to steps that the High Court can take in proceedings of the same description as those to which an order relates. Furthermore, a person cannot be compelled to give evidence that, in civil proceedings before the Court or in the requesting jurisdiction, he cannot be compelled to give; that extends to situations where the giving of the evidence would endanger the security of the BVI.
3.2.2 Mutual Legal Assistance (United States of America) Act, Revised Edition 2020
This Act implements the bilateral Treaty between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Concerning the Cayman Islands, 1986 which was extended to the BVI in 1989. The essence of the Treaty is to improve the effectiveness of the law enforcement authorities of both the BVI and USA in relation to the prosecution and suppression of crime through the process of cooperation and mutual legal assistance; hence the scope of the Treaty is limited to criminal matters, but excludes conduct or any matter which may relate directly or indirectly to the regulation, imposition, calculation or collection of taxes.
3.2.3 Drug Trafficking Offences Act, Revised Edition 2020
This Act gives effect to the provisions of the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988. It establishes the legal framework for the recovery of the proceeds of drug trafficking and, towards that end, it creates a regime of international cooperation on drug trafficking, including applications for confiscation, restraint and charging orders. Further, the Act establishes the Financial Investigation Agency as the central authority responsible for receiving suspicious transaction reports. The Act is complemented by the Drug Trafficking Offences (Designated Countries and Territories) Order, Revised Edition 2013. This Order deals with the details of the assistance to be provided to appropriate authorities of designated countries and territories in relation to drugtrafficking and money laundering. Where no appropriate authority is specified in relation to a country or territory, the Governor is empowered to issue a certificate to the effect that the authority named therein is the appropriate authority. Thus, the non-designation of a country or territory is not a handicap to render assistance to a requesting authority as the provisions of the Act are generally considered broad enough to enable assistance to be rendered to any country or territory.
3.2.4 Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Act, Revised Edition 2020
The objective of this Act is to create a flexible and comprehensive regime that enables the BVI to cooperate with other countries in matters pertaining to criminal investigations and proceedings. In addition, the Act regulates substances that are considered useful for the

manufacture of controlled drugs and also creates a regime of hot-pursuit in apprehending vessels and persons concerned with drug offences. This latter regime, however, operates only on a bilateral arrangement, as currently exists between the BVI and the USA. The Attorney General is the central competent authority under this Act, however, requests for assistance in conducting an investigation or other relevant evidence for the purpose of a criminal investigation or proceeding by a foreign authority can be done through the Governor. Under the Act, the Attorney General is required to provide feedback to foreign competent authorities. The Act is complemented by the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) (Enforcement of Overseas Forfeiture) Order, Revised Edition 2020 and the Attorney General is required to comply with any request for assistance from an appropriate authority in a requesting country concerning drug trafficking offences and any other offence to which the Order applies
3.2.5 Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act, Revised Edition 2020
This Act represents an all-crimes anti-money laundering legislation. It provides for the recovery of the proceeds of crime; in addition, it also establishes a regime for the registration and enforcement of external confiscation orders. In that context, it enables an application to be made to the High Court to obtain a restraint or charging order to protect any specified assets from being dissipated. Similar to the Drug Trafficking Offences Act, the Financial Investigation Agency is the central authority for receiving suspicious activity reports. The Act is complemented by the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Designated Countries and Territories) Order, Revised Edition 2013 and Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Enforcement of External Confiscation Orders) Order, Revised Edition 2020. The Anti-money Laundering Regulations, Revised Edition 2020 (made pursuant to the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act) foster the supervision of regulated and non-regulated entities by requiring the adoption of specified measures to guard against the activities of money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing and ensure the availability of information when requested. The Antimoney Laundering and Terrorist Financing Code of Practice, Revised Edition 2020 supplements the Regulations and establishes a framework for compliance with AML/CFT/CPF matters including the identification and verification of beneficial owners, the maintenance of adequate, accurate and up to date beneficial ownership information and other pertinent records, as well as exchange of information with relevant authorities.
3.2.6 Financial Services Commission Act, Revised Edition 2020
This Act establishes the Financial Services Commission as the BVI’s autonomous regulatory institution with powers to licence, supervise, regulate and develop the financial services industry. Apart from establishing a well-insulated regime for the regulation of the domestic market and the services provided to corporate vehicles, the Act also empowers the Commission to, among other things, receive and grant assistance on request from a foreign regulatory authority (for the purpose of enabling the foreign authority to discharge its regulatory functions or purposes) and to foreign non-counterparts acting through a competent authority. Thus, the Act empowers the Commission to request information and documents and make applications for persons to be examined under oath before a Magistrate; the Commission is similarly empowered to examine persons under oath by

appointing an examiner to act on its behalf. Generally, the Commission is required to take appropriate steps to co-operate with foreign regulatory authorities, competent authorities and persons who exercise functions in relation to the detection and prevention of financial crime and to give feedback to foreign regulatory authorities, upon request. The enforcement regime (which incorporates compulsory powers) under the Act, coupled with the gateway provisions for the disclosure of information, is robust and comprehensive in so far as international cooperation is concerned.
3.2.7 Financial Investigation Agency Act, Revised Edition 2020
This Act establishes the Financial Investigation Agency as an autonomous law enforcement institution specialising in the investigation of matters relative to international requests for assistance. The Agency has the responsibility of collecting, receiving, investigating, analysing, exchanging and disseminating financial intelligence and other information relating to financial offences or the proceeds thereof as well as requests for legal assistance from domestic competent authorities, authorities in foreign jurisdictions and international bodies (and members of such bodies) of which the Agency is a member. It also has responsibility for dealing with suspicious activity reports made pursuant to the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act, Revised Edition 2020. In the discharge or performance of its functions, the Agency has the power to enter into arrangements (subject to the Governor’s fiat) with foreign financial investigation agencies. The Agency also has the authority to order persons to refrain from permitting or completing transactions, freeze bank accounts and produce documents or other information. Further, the Act empowers the Agency to disclose information to law enforcement agencies in the Territory and to any other institution in the Territory – in the latter case, for the purposes of detecting or preventing the commission, or facilitating the investigation, of an offence. The Agency may also disclose information to a foreign financial investigation agency concerning the commission or possible commission of an offence, to initiate a criminal investigation regarding any matter disclosed and to assist with or facilitate an investigation or criminal proceedings regarding the matter disclosed. The Agency is also empowered to request documents and information from specified persons, examine persons under oath before a Magistrate or a designated investigating officer of the Agency and give feedback to foreign financial investigation agencies, upon request. The Agency has a good complement of investigators with police powers and all members are sworn to maintaining confidentiality in the handling of information, and disclosure thereof is strictly restricted in the manner prescribed by the Act. This feature of the legislation is considered relevant if requests for legal assistance from foreign jurisdictions are not to be compromised.
3.2.8 International Tax Authority Act, Revised Edition 2020
This Act establishes the International Tax Authority which, as part of its functions, is responsible for administering, supervising and monitoring the compliance of persons, legal entities, legal and other arrangements in the Territory with the Act and other mutual legal assistance legislation. The also Act transfers functions, powers and duties previously vested in the Financial Secretary or any other officer by virtue of any mutual legal assistance legislation, Agreement or Arrangement signed or extended to the British Virgin Islands with regard to the exchange of information or the international standard in relation to cross border tax matters. The Act requires the International Tax Authority cooperate with, and provide assistance to, foreign competent authorities and domestic competent authorities acting pursuant to an enactment. This may include sharing documents and information, making requests for assistance

to foreign competent authorities, requesting information and documents from specified persons and examining persons under oath (including before a Magistrate).
3.2.9 Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, Revised Edition 2020
This Act gives effect to the terms of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including the Government of the British Virgin Islands, for the exchange of information relating to tax matters and it extends to any similar agreements the Government of the BVI may enter into for giving effect to the Common Reporting Standard, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act as it relates to the Model Intergovernmental Agreement entered into between the United States of American and the British Virgin Islands, the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Action 13: Country-by-Country Reporting and the Mandatory Disclosure Rules. The International Tax Authority is responsible for the general administration of this Act and is empowered, for the purposes of complying with a request for mutual legal assistance, to require persons or entities to provide information reasonably believed to be in their/its possession or control and to conduct interviews and/or examinations of any person in the Territory. The Act also provides for the service of overseas documents in the Territory.
3.2.10 Proliferation Financing (Prohibition) Act, 2021
This Act makes provision for the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ensures the implementation of financial measures relating to counter-proliferation Resolutions of the United Nations. The Act confers power on the BVI Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against persons and activities that may be related to terrorist financing, money laundering or the development of weapons of mass destruction (proliferation financing). Such action comes primarily in the form of directions that may be issued by the FIA in relation to any and all persons or class of persons operating within the financial sector from a country where there is reasonable belief on the part of the FIA that activities carried out in the country or by the government or any other person resident or incorporated in the country pose a significant risk of terrorist financing, money laundering or the development or financing of weapons of mass destruction, and as such pose a risk to the interests of the British Virgin Islands or the United Kingdom. Information gathered by the FIA in the exercise of its duties in carrying out the provisions of this Act may be the subject of information exchange providing such requests for information are made in accordance with relevant legislative provisions.
3.2.11 Counter-Terrorism Act, 2021
This Act criminalises terrorism and the financing of terrorism and makes provision for the detection, prevention, prosecution and conviction of terrorist activities within the Territory. The Act also gives effect to several International Conventions and Resolutions for the countering of terrorism and terrorist financing. Regarding international cooperation, the Act provides for the exchange of information and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters concerning terrorist groups or acts. Upon consultation with the Attorney General, the Financial Investigation Agency and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force may make disclosures to an appropriate authority in a foreign jurisdiction, upon request. These agencies are authorised to provide disclosures concerning: the actions and movements of terrorist groups suspected of terrorist acts; forged or falsified travel

documents by persons suspected of terrorist acts; trafficking of weapons and sensitive materials by those involved in terrorist acts; and the use of communications technologies by terrorist groups. The Act also makes provision for extradition for offences, and mutual assistance in criminal matters, within the scope of counter-terrorism Conventions that the United Kingdom are party to and extends to the Territory. Where there is an extradition agreement between the United Kingdom and another state which is party to a relevant counter-terrorism Convention, the agreement is deemed to include provision for extradition for offences, or mutual assistance in criminal matters, falling within the scope of that counter-terrorism Convention. Where there is no extradition agreement between the United Kingdom and another state which is party to that counter-terrorism Convention, the Governor may, with the advice of the Secretary of State and by order published in the Gazette, treat the counter-terrorism Convention (for the purposes giving effect to the Counter-Terrorism Act) as an arrangement between the United Kingdom and that state providing for extradition of offences, or mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, falling within the scope of the relevant counter-terrorism Convention.
3.2.12 The Terrorism (United Nations Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2001 (U.K.S.I. 2001 No.
3366)
The essence of this Order-in-Council is to prohibit the raising of funds for purposes of terrorism; it places restrictions on making funds available and providing financial services to terrorists. It also creates a regime enabling the freezing of the accounts of persons suspected to be terrorists or linked to terrorism. The regime allows for the disclosure of information, on the authority of the Governor, to the United Nations and any government of a country for the purpose of detecting evasion of measures relative to terrorism.
3.2.13 The Anti-terrorism (Financial and Other Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2002 (U.K.S.I.
2002 No. 1822)
This Order-in-Council restricts transactions in terrorist property and creates extra-territorial jurisdiction in respect of offences relative to terrorism and related matters – that is to say, to be engaged in fundraising or money laundering, using or possessing property or arranging fundraising activities, for terrorist purposes. It also enables the registration and enforcement of foreign confiscation orders by an order of the Governor.
3.2.14 Extradition Act (Cap. 121) and the Extradition Act 2003 (Overseas Territories) Order 2016 (U.K.S.I.
2016 No. 990)
The BVI’s extradition regime is governed by the Extradition Act (Cap. 121) and the above Orderin-Council. While the Extradition Act confers jurisdiction on the authorities (Governor and Magistrate) that deal with extradition matters, the Order-in-Council regulates extradition between the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories to which the Order extends (including the BVI) and specified extradition territories, by applying specific provisions of the UK Extradition Act, 1989. The legislation also creates a regime for the repatriation of prisoners.
3.3 BVI Central Authorities
3.3.1 The range of mutual legal assistance requests made of the BVI necessitates a varied expertise

in each specific area to ensure appropriate and effective processing. The relevant legislation outlined above (Section 3) are administered by different competent authorities and law enforcement agencies but interact as necessary. Generally, requests for legal assistance fall under three (3) categories (this excludes assistance in judicial matters which is specifically dealt with in Part 5 of this Handbook):
(a) Criminal offences – relates to violations of the criminal law where investigations or proceedings have been instituted; (b) Regulatory breaches/offences – relate to violations or suspected violations of the financial and financial services regulatory regime or non-compliance therewith; (c) Tax offences – relate to violations or suspected violations of tax obligations or noncompliance therewith.
3.3.2 With respect to law enforcement, the BVI’s Central Authority is the Attorney General, in
relation to requests that fall under the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Act, Revised Edition 2020, Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) (Enforcement of Overseas Forfeiture Orders) Order, Revised Edition 2020, Evidence (Proceedings in Foreign Jurisdiction) Act, Revised Edition 2023, Mutual Legal Assistance (United States of America) Act, Revised Edition 2020, Drug Trafficking Offences Act, Revised Edition 2020 and Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act, Revised Edition 2020. However, requests that are required to be sent via diplomatic channels (e.g. extradition requests) are sent to the Governor. Generally, such requests are passed on to the Attorney General for advice and execution, with the Governor’s sanction.
3.3.3 With respect to regulatory breaches/offences or investigations or inquiries, the BVI’s Central
Authority is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Commission.
3.3.4 With respect to tax matters (information exchange), the BVI’s Central Authority is the Director
of the International Tax Authority.
3.3.5 Mutual legal assistance is provided only in respect of valid requests from established
governmental or government-related authorities or agencies. No assistance is provided to individual non-governmental persons or institutions under the current legislative regimes. As noted above, persons who desire assistance are advised to liaise with the relevant central authorities in their countries to seek advice on a way forward.
3.4 Range of Assistance
The range of assistance that may be provided under the above enumerated BVI laws includes the following:
(a) service of overseas process;
(b) obtaining documentary evidence, statements and witness testimony; (c) issuing search warrants; (d) registration and enforcement of foreign forfeiture/confiscation orders; (e) grant of restraint (freezing) and charging orders; (f) regulator-to-regulator information assistance and investigations/enquiries in relation to

regulatory breaches and offences or regulatory purposes; and (g) tax information exchange.

THE LAW OF PROVIDING LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Every request for legal assistance must be clear and precise as regards the nature thereof and the purpose for which the request is submitted. It must be written legibly in the English language or, where the original document is in a language other than the English language, a clear and certified translation of the original document must be provided. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in delays in understanding and executing a request.
4.1 Law Enforcement
Save for requests emanating from the USA, almost all other foreign requests for legal assistance in criminal matters fall to be dealt with under the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Act, Revised Edition 2020 (all crimes); the Drug Trafficking Offences Act, Revised Edition 2020 (drug offences) and the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act, Revised Edition 2020 (money laundering). Requests from the USA are dealt with pursuant to the provisions of the Mutual Legal Assistance (Untied States of America) Act, Revised Edition 2020. However, the nature, scope and parameters of assistance in relation to all the legislation are practically the same – the information required to render assistance follows the same pattern.
4.1.1 Service of Foreign Process
(a) A request for service of process in the BVI must be addressed to the Attorney General directly, or indirectly through the Governor; (b) The request must be made by a foreign government or other authority recognised and/or authorised by such government or by law; (c) The request must be accompanied by a summons or other process requiring the person to whom it relates to appear as a defendant or to attend as a witness in criminal proceedings in the requesting country, specifying the relevant date; (d) As an alternative to paragraph (c) above, the request must be accompanied by a document issued by a court exercising criminal jurisdiction in the requesting country and recording a decision of the court made in exercise of that jurisdiction; (e) The letter of request must identify a named person on whom the process is to be served and the address at which such person resides or is registered in the BVI. (It should be noted that BVI law does not, where foreign process is served, compel a witness to attend and give evidence in a foreign country; it simply provides a notification procedure in relation to the witness); (f) Upon receiving and assessing the request for service of process, the Attorney General (or other person acting on the Attorney General’s behalf) may cause the process or other documents to be served by post or, if personal service is requested, he shall cause the process or other documents to be served personally; (g) In effecting service in accordance with paragraph (f) above, the service is required to be accompanied by a notice informing the person to whom it relates (i) that he/she is not obliged under BVI law to comply with it; (ii) that he/she is entitled to obtain legal advice as to the possible consequences of failure to comply under the laws of the requesting country; and (iii) that as a witness in a foreign country he/she may not be accorded the same rights and privileges as those that obtain under BVI law;

(h) Once service is effected, the requesting foreign authority is notified of that fact in writing by the Attorney General, accompanied by a certificate of service.
4.1.2 Obtaining Evidence
A request for assistance to obtain evidence can take one of two forms: testimonial evidence before the court or administratively conducting investigations and obtaining statements and documents. Which formula is adopted is dependent on the nature of the specific request of the requesting country; a request may relate to either or both formula/e. Thus, when a country makes a request for assistance, it should be clear as to how it wishes the request to be handled.
4.1.3 Making a Request for Assistance
Requests for assistance can be made by:
(a) a court or tribunal exercising criminal jurisdiction in a foreign country or territory; (b) a prosecuting authority in a foreign country or territory; or (c) any other authority in a foreign country or territory which appears to the Governor or the Attorney General to have the function of making such requests.
4.1.4 Basis for Granting Assistance
Assistance may be granted on the following basis:
(a) that an offence under the laws of the requesting country or territory has been committed or there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence has been committed; (b) that criminal proceedings in respect of the offence have been instituted in the requesting country or territory or that a criminal investigation into the offence is being carried on in such country or territory; and (c) that either the conduct constituting the alleged offence would constitute an offence if it had occurred in the BVI or there is in force between the requesting country or territory and the BVI a treaty excluding such a requirement.
4.1.5 Testimonial Evidence
A request for testimonial evidence comprises the taking of evidence before a judge of the High Court. Once the Governor is satisfied, on the basis of paragraph 4.1.4 (a) and (b) above and after consulting the Attorney General, he nominates by notice in writing a High Court judge to receive such of the evidence to which the request relates as may appear to the Court to be appropriate for giving effect to the request. Paragraph 4.1.4 (c) above in relation to the Governor’s powers applies only in relation to fiscal offences, unless the requesting country or territory is a Commonwealth country or the request is made pursuant to a treaty that the United Kingdom is a party to and has been extended to the BVI.
4.1.6 Enforcement of Foreign Orders
BVI law permits the registration of foreign forfeiture/confiscation orders, as well as the prohibition of dealings in identified property and the issuing of charging orders. A request for assistance seeking the registration of a foreign forfeiture/confiscation order or the grant of a restraint order is made by the appropriate authority of the requesting jurisdiction. Where

the request is found to be in order, an application is made to the High Court which may grant the order for registration; the Court grants a restraint order upon being satisfied that:
(a) proceedings have been instituted or are to be instituted against a defendant in the requesting jurisdiction; (b) the proceedings instituted against the defendant have not been concluded; and (c) an external forfeiture/confiscation order has been made in the proceedings or there are reasonable grounds for believing that an external forfeiture/confiscation order may be made. The Court makes an order registering an external forfeiture/confiscation order where it is satisfied that (a) at the time of registration, the order is in force and not subject to appeal; (b) the person against whom the order is made had sufficient notice of the proceedings to enable him to defend the matter; and (c) enforcing the order in the BVI would not be contrary to the interests of justice.
4.1.7 Information Required to Provide Assistance
In order to determine compliance with the requirements of BVI law and thus facilitate the processing of a request for legal assistance, the following information must be supplied when submitting a request for legal assistance:
(a) the request must be submitted in writing by a relevant central authority or a duly authorised competent authority, stating the purpose thereof; (b) the name of the authority responsible for the investigation or the proceedings, including contact details, must be supplied; this is important in the event that the BVI investigators or the Central Authority wish to seek clarifications or directions on any specific matter; (c) the offence and nature of the investigation to which the request relates and the information relied upon in support of the request; (d) the law pursuant to which investigations or criminal proceedings are being carried out including an extract of the relevant law relating to the offence; if the law is in a language other than the English language, a certified translation must be provided; (e) information relating to the persons who are the subject of the investigation or criminal proceedings, including (where available) their names, dates of birth and addresses; in respect of legal persons, the registered addresses and, where possible, the names and addresses of their agents; (f) the description of the evidence, information or other assistance sought, indicating as far as possible the time period to which the evidence or information relates; (g) the identity and any presumed location (if known) of any person from whom any information or evidence is sought; and (h) where necessary, for the admissibility of evidence (depending on the laws of the requesting jurisdiction) an indication as to the preferred manner or procedure of collecting or gathering evidence and information, including the need or otherwise of any affidavit of either the investigating officer or other specified person. As far as is necessary and possible, a request for legal assistance must also include the

following:
(i) the identity and address of the person to be served (in the case of service of process), how the person is connected to the proceedings and in what manner service should be effected; (ii) information regarding the identity and location of the person to whom the request relates; (iii) a precise description of the person or place to be searched, including any specified
article to be seized;
(iv) an indication regarding the manner in which a person’s testimony or statement should be recorded; (v) a list of any questions desired to be asked of any witness; (vi) where a witness is required to attend court in the requesting jurisdiction, an indication as to the allowance and expenses payable to the person by the requesting jurisdiction; this is generally essential to secure the cooperation and attendance of witnesses; and (vii) any other information that the requesting jurisdiction considers relevant to aid the processing of the request.
4.1.8 Restrictions on Further Disclosure of Information
Where legal assistance is provided to the requesting foreign law enforcement authority, BVI law requires that the information or documents provided therewith must not be further disclosed to another authority or used for a purpose distinct from the original purpose for which the request was made unless the permission of the relevant BVI Central Authority is first sought and obtained.
4.1.9 Protection for Disclosure
Where a person discloses information or produces documents pursuant to an order (in aid of a request for legal assistance), he or she is not held liable (civilly, criminally or disciplinarily) for acting in obedience of such order.
4.1.10 Restriction on Disclosure of Information
BVI law places restrictions on a person who acquires information from being required to comply with an order to provide specified information or documents, from disclosing such information or documents to another person without lawful authorisation. Any action contravening such restriction constitutes an offence.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CIVIL OR COMMERCIAL
PROCEEDINGS OVERSEAS
The legislative regime governing assistance to a foreign judicial authority in respect of civil or commercial matters is the Evidence (Proceedings in Foreign Jurisdictions) Act, Revised Edition 2023.
5.1 Scope of Assistance
This Act empowers the BVI Central Authority – the Attorney General – to render assistance in the form of provision of evidence to a foreign court or tribunal for use in civil or commercial proceedings that have been instituted there. The scope of assistance extends to the following:
(a) the examination of witnesses either orally or in writing; (b) the production of documents; (c) the inspection, photographing, preservation, custody or detention of property; and (d) the medical examination of any person.
5.2 Requirements for the Grant of Assistance
A foreign court or tribunal may issue a Letter of Request addressed to the Attorney General of the BVI requesting assistance by providing the following information:
(a) the name of the requesting court or tribunal; (b) the names and addresses of the parties to the proceedings and their representatives, if any; (c) the nature of the proceedings for which evidence is required, giving all necessary information with respect thereto; (d) the evidence to be obtained or other judicial act to be performed; (e) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined; (f) the questions to be put to the persons to be examined or a statement regarding the subject matter about which they are to be examined; (g) the documents or other property, real or personal, to be inspected; (h) any requirements that the evidence is to be given on oath or affirmation, and any special form to be used; and (i) any special method or procedure to be followed (under Article 9 of the Evidence (Proceedings in Foreign Jurisdictions) Act, Revised Edition 2023).
5.3 Limitation on Cooperation
5.3.1 Ambit of a Foreign Judicial Order
A foreign judicial order shall not require the BVI Central Authority to take steps to obtain evidence in the High Court which are outside of the Court’s normal jurisdiction; nor shall it require steps to be taken to require a person to declare custody or possession of, or to

produce, documents other than those specified therein as likely to be in the person’s possession, custody or power.
5.3.2 Privilege
Generally, a person cannot be compelled to give evidence which he or she cannot normally give in civil proceedings before the BVI High Court or in the territory in which the requesting court has jurisdiction.
5.3.3 State Security
A person may not be compelled to give any evidence which would endanger the security of the BVI.

CO-OPERATION WITH FOREIGN REGULATORY
AUTHORITIES
The international cooperation regime relating to regulated entities was initially dealt with under the Financial Services (International Co-operation) Act, 2000 and the Financial Services Commission Act,
However, in 2006 that regime was amalgamated into a single statute and the Financial
Services (International Co-operation) Act, 2000 was repealed. The current regime relating to regulated entities is set out in Part IV of the Financial Services Commission Act, Revised Edition 2020. Part IV deals with the Financial Services Commission’s (“the FSC”) power to gather information and facilitate cooperation with foreign regulatory authorities and domestic law enforcement authorities as well as effectively enforce its own domestic regulatory requirements.
6.1 FSC’s Duty to Cooperate (Scope of Assistance)
The FSC is required to take such steps as it considers appropriate to cooperate with foreign regulatory authorities; this cooperation extends to:
(a) such persons, whether within or outside the BVI, who perform functions relative to the prevention or detection of financial crime; (b) foreign non-counterparts (acting through a competent authority); (c) the sharing of documents and information that the FSC is not prevented from disclosing by virtue of any enactment; and (d) making requests to foreign regulatory authorities for legal assistance.
6.2 What Constitutes a “Financial Crime”
A financial crime includes an offence which involves (a) money laundering; (b) the financing of terrorism; (c) the financing of proliferation (weapons of mass destruction); or (d) misconduct in, or misuse of information relating to, a financial market.
6.3 FSC’s Power to Request Documents and Information
The FSC is empowered, where it is required in the discharge of its functions or in ensuring compliance with any financial services legislation or request from a competent authority, to require a person to provide to the FSC specified information or any information of a specified description, or to produce specified documents or any documents of a specified description. The FSC exercises this power by giving written notice to the person concerned specifying the place where, the time within which, the form in which, the manner of verifying or authenticating, and the person to whom the information or document is to be provided or produced. It may take extracts of any document produced to it without affecting any lien that may relate to such document. In addition, the FSC may apply to a Magistrate for a search warrant to conduct a search of any premises and retrieve any documents or information to which the warrant relates or to take copies or make extracts thereof or to require any

person on the premises to provide an explanation of any such documents or information.
6.4 Power to Examine a Person Under Oath
The examination of a person under oath may take one of two forms: before a Magistrate or before an FSC Commissioner or officer.
6.4.1 Examination Before a Magistrate
(a) The FSC submits an application to a Magistrate for a specified persons to be examined under oath; (b) The Magistrate, upon granting the application, orders the examination of the person under oath on such terms and conditions as the Magistrate considers fit; (c) The person to be examined may be represented by a legal practitioner of his or her choice; (d) The proceedings of the examination are held in camera; (e) The Magistrate is required to process the application for examination within 7 days of the application and to transmit the results of the examination to the FSC within a reasonable period, not exceeding 14 days from the date of the examination.
6.4.2 Examination by the FSC
(a) The FSC issues a written notice to a person, who it believes can provide information required for the purposes of discharging its functions or for purposes of compliance with any financial services legislation or a request from a competent authority, to attend before a specified Commissioner or specified officer of the FSC to be examined under oath; (b) The person to be examined may be represented by a legal practitioner of his or her choice; (c) The examiner administers the oath to the person concerned; (d) The proceeding of the examination are held in camera; (e) The examiner, upon completion of the examination, is required to prepare a record of the examination and provide the person examined with a copy thereof, subject to such conditions as the examiner may impose; (f) The record is then finalised by the examiner and transmitted to the FSC.

6.5 Effecting Assistance
Where the FSC receives a request for assistance from a foreign regulatory authority and it forms the opinion that the information or documents requested are reasonably required for the foreign regulatory authority’s regulatory functions, it may perform the following in rendering assistance:
(a) exercise the powers outlined in paragraph 6.3 above; (b) appoint such a person or persons as it considers necessary as examiners to investigate any matter relative to the request; (c) perform any of the tasks outlined in paragraphs 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 above; (d) disclose information or provide relevant documents to the requesting authority.
6.6 Considerations Precedent to Effecting Assistance
The FSC, in deciding whether or not to provide assistance to a foreign regulatory authority, is entitled to take into account the following:
(a) whether corresponding assistance would be provided to the FSC in the country or territory of the foreign regulatory authority concerned; in this respect the FSC may require the said authority to provide a written undertaking to provide corresponding assistance whenever requested – the essence of international cooperation; (b) the nature of the matter to which the request for assistance relates; (c) the seriousness of the case concerned and its importance to persons in the BVI; (d) the relevance of the information or documentation to the enquiries to which the request for assistance relates; and (e) whether it is otherwise appropriate in the public interest to provide the assistance sought. The FSC may not exercise its compulsive powers to render assistance in relation to a request, unless (i) the foreign regulatory authority undertakes to render corresponding assistance to the FSC whenever requested; (ii) the foreign regulatory authority undertakes to make such contribution towards the costs associated with the FSC’s exercise of its powers as the FSC considers appropriate; (iii) the FSC is satisfied that the foreign regulatory authority is subject to adequate legal restrictions relating to further disclosure of information and documents supplied to it and that it will not (subject to paragraph 6.7 below) further disclose the information or document supplied save to its employees and officers or take any

further action on such information or document; (iv) the FSC receives satisfactory assurance that the information or document provided to the foreign regulatory authority will not be used in any criminal proceedings against the person furnishing such information or document, save in proceedings for the offence of perjury or other equivalent offence.
6.7 Point at Which a Request for Onward Disclosure Can be Made
While none of the matters outlined in paragraph 6.6 above is necessarily an outright bar to rendering legal assistance to a foreign regulatory authority, the BVI’s international cooperation regime is founded on the international law principle of reciprocity. The caveats contained in paragraph 6.6 serve as necessary checks to ensure the integrity of the mutual legal assistance regime. In that vein, information supplied is required to be used solely for the purpose for which it was requested. However, the Financial Services Commission Act, Revised Edition 2020 permits onward disclosure of information and documents supplied only on the following basis:
(a) that at the time of submitting a request for legal assistance, the foreign regulatory authority specifically requests, and obtains, permission to further disclose any information or documents supplied to another specified authority or authorities; this is an advance request for onward disclosure; (b) that after receipt of the information or documents requested, if the foreign regulatory authority forms the view that it should further disclose the information or documents to another authority, then it must first write to and obtain the express permission of the FSC to do so; this is a later request for onward disclosure.
6.8 Privileged Information and Documents
A person may not be required to produce, disclose or permit the inspection of any information or document that he or she would be entitled to refuse to disclose or produce on the grounds of legal professional privilege. This relates to information or documents that come to a legal practitioner in privileged circumstances. However, no information or document is treated to fall within the ambit of such privileged circumstances if it is communicated or given with a view to furthering any criminal purpose. In addition, the restrictions on the disclosure of privileged information or documents do not prevent a legal practitioner from providing the name and address of his or her client.
6.9 Protection from Disclosure
As a means of exacting full cooperation in processing requests for legal assistance as well as ensuring effective enforcement of the law, a person who discloses information or produces documents pursuant to a request or directive of the FSC is held not to contravene any enactment, rule of law, agreement or any applicable professional code of conduct and he or she is not liable civilly, criminally or disciplinarily.
6.10 Restrictions on Disclosure of Information (Protected Information)

A key aspect of effective international cooperation is the ability to maintain, to the extent necessary, the confidentiality of requests for legal assistance and the information or documents supplied in that regard. The Financial Services Commission Act, Revised Edition 2020 classifies as “protected information” information that is acquired by specified persons in specific circumstances or pursuant to any financial services legislation, and includes any information that is obtained from a foreign regulatory or law enforcement authority. Thus, information received by the FSC, its Board members (including the Managing Director/CEO), its employees, its examiners and investigators and any other person acting under its authority as an agent is considered protected information and may only be disclosed in circumstances permitted by law. However, information is considered not to be protected if:
(a) it is or has been available to the public from another source; (b) it is disclosed in a summary or in statistics that is expressed in a manner that does not enable the identity of any person to whom it relates to be determined.
6.11 Exceptions to the Restrictions on Disclosure of Information
While the law provides exceptions to the restrictions applied to the disclosure of information, these are selectively applied and only as exceptionally required for specified purposes, including the following:
(a) judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings;
(b) aiding the request of a foreign regulatory authority; (c) law enforcement (within or without the BVI), including the conduct of investigations; (d) aiding the request of a competent authority; or (e) regulatory enforcement action, including proceedings for winding up or dissolution of business entities or appointment or duties of receivers of such entities. Information received by the FSC from a foreign regulatory authority is held and treated in the strictest of confidence and persons required to provide information or produce documents in relation thereto are held to the same level of strict confidentiality. Where in the unusual circumstance when it becomes necessary to reveal certain confidential aspects of a request to aid the process of an investigation, the foreign regulatory authority is first notified and its permission sought before any action is taken in respect thereof.
6.12 Assisting the FSC to Protect the Public
One of the primary functions of the FSC in the discharge of its duties is to represent and protect the public interest by providing statements advising the public against any dealings with certain persons or businesses it considers undesirable. In particular, it may issue statements for the purposes of (a) protecting the public, within or outside the BVI, against any financial loss that may arise from the dishonesty, incompetence, malpractice or insolvency of persons that are engaged in financial services business in the BVI;

(b) protecting and enhancing the reputation of the BVI as a financial services centre; and (c) reducing crime and other unlawful activities relating to financial services business. In order to aid the FSC in this process and in the context of international cooperation, the FSC welcomes any information that any foreign regulatory or law enforcement authority may provide in relation to BVI regulated entities to forestall any conduct that may be inimical to the interests of investors and the public in general. The source of any such information will be held in strict confidence.

MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN TAX MATTERS
The Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, Revised Edition 2020 represents the BVI’s international cooperation regime in tax matters. This Act initially gave effect to the terms of the Agreement between the Government of the USA and the Government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including the Government of the BVI, concluded in 2002 for the exchange of information in relation to tax matters. Since that time, the Act has been amended to extend the scope of tax information exchange beyond this initial agreement to cover agreements entered into with other competent authorities in countries with which the BVI Government has signed Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs). The basis of the Act is founded on these bilateral agreements negotiated and concluded by the BVI Government on the principle of transparency and effective exchange of information on tax matters.
7.1 Aiming for a Level Playing Field
The BVI is one of many countries and territories that is a member of the OECD Global Forum which, apart from negotiating and agreeing on principles of transparency and effective exchange of information, also aims to agree on principles aimed at achieving a level playing field in the area of taxation. By enacting legislation on this subject, applicable on the basis of concluded bilateral agreements, the BVI continues to demonstrate its willingness in fostering and promoting international cooperation in all areas of legitimate business.
7.2 Scope of Assistance
The scope of assistance envisaged under the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, Revised Edition 2020 relates to the exchange of information in relation to the administration and enforcement of domestic laws concerning specified taxes and tax matters agreed pursuant to an agreement; that would include information that may be relevant in determining, assessing, verifying, enforcing or collecting tax claims, including the investigation or prosecution of criminal tax matters.
7.3 Powers Exercisable by the Central Authority (CA)
The BVI’s Central Authority in relation to tax matters, including information exchange, is the International Tax Authority. Authority for the execution of requests for assistance has been reposed in the Director of the International Tax Authority. Where it is determined that a request for legal assistance complies with the terms of the Act and the applicable agreement, the International Tax Authority may exercise any of the following powers in giving effect to the request:
(a) Issue a written notice to a specified person requiring such person to provide the information or documents therein specified; (b) Require the information or documents to be provided within such time as may be specified in the notice; (c) Require the information or documents to be provided in such form as the CA may determine;

(d) Require that the information or documents to be provided be verified or authenticated in such manner as the CA may consider reasonable; (e) Take copies or extracts of any information or document provided; (f) In such cases as it considers appropriate, apply to a Magistrate for a search warrant (i) to enter and search specified premises; (ii) to take possession of any information or document that relates to the warrant; (iii) to take copies or extracts relative to any information or document that may be the subject of the warrant; and (iv) to require any person on the premises to provide an explanation in respect of any information or document relative to the warrant. Where the information in the possession of the CA is not sufficient to enable it to comply with the request for information, the CA may employ all relevant information gathering measures to provide the requesting authority with the information requested, notwithstanding that the CA may not need such information for its own tax purposes.
7.4 Conditions Precedent to Providing Assistance
In order to demonstrate the relevance of any information sought pursuant to a request for assistance, the following information must be provided:
(a) the name of the requesting authority;
(b) the identity of the person to whom the request relates; (c) the nature and type of the information requested; (d) a description of the specific evidence, information or other assistance sought; (e) the tax purposes for which the information is sought; (f) the period of time with respect to which the information sought is requested; (g) reasonable grounds for believing that the information sought is in the BVI or in the possession or control of a person subject to the BVI’s jurisdiction and may be relevant to the tax purposes of the request; (h) the name and address (to the extent possible) of the person in possession or control of the information sought; and (i) a declaration that the request conforms to the law and administrative practice of the requesting country or territory and would be obtainable under its own laws in similar circumstances.

7.5 Declining a Request for Legal Assistance
A request for legal assistance may be declined if (a) the conditions precedent outlined in paragraph 7.4 above are not complied with; (b) the request fails to conform with the terms of any agreement pursuant to which assistance is sought; (c) the requesting country or territory has failed to pursue all the means available in its own jurisdiction (unless where recourse to such means would give rise to disproportionate difficulty); or (d) the disclosure of the information that is the subject of the request would be contrary to the BVI’s public policy.
7.6 Protection for Disclosure
A person who discloses information in obedience to an order to disclose such information suffers no liability (civilly, criminally or disciplinarily).
7.7 Restrictions on Disclosure of Information
All information received pursuant to a request for legal assistance is treated and held in the strictest of confidence; any person who is notified of the information – whether to take action or supply information in respect thereof – is prohibited from disclosing such information or any particular thereof to another person save as may be permitted by law or the agreement governing the relationship between the BVI and the requesting country or territory.

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS RELATIVE TO REQUESTS FOR
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
8.1 Supplemental Requests
A requesting authority, having previously submitted a request for legal assistance, is entitled to submit a supplemental request in relation to the earlier request. This may be done either (a) during the execution by the relevant BVI central authority of the initial request and before the completion thereof; or (b) after receipt of the assistance requested; the information supplied may generate further avenue that the requesting authority may wish to be further explored. In either case, the supplemental request is treated in the same manner as the initial request. Therefore, all the requisite procedures must be followed, but only information relevant to the further execution of the supplemental request need be provided. The supplemental request must make reference to the earlier request and be quite explicit as to the additional line of enquiry it wishes to be carried out. Failure to follow the established laws and rules any result in assistance either being delayed or not provided at all.
8.2 Costs of Providing Assistance
Although BVI law provides for the recovery of the costs associated with any enquiry or investigation concerning a request for legal assistance, as a matter of general practice the central authorities do not pass on such costs to requesting authorities. However, in exceptional cases where the costs are considered prohibitive, the requesting authority may be asked to make a contribution to such costs or undertake to effect full payment of the costs. In such a situation, the processing of a request for assistance will depend on the positive response of the requesting authority. It should be noted that the BVI’s general practice of not passing on costs takes into account the reciprocal principle that in a similar situation where the BVI makes a request of the requesting authority the costs associated therewith will not be passed on, save where such costs are prohibitive.
8.3 Representation in Court
Where a request requires attendance of counsel in court to assist the court in taking evidence, this task is performed by counsel appointed by the Attorney General or, in the case of the FSC, counsel appointed by the Managing Director/CEO of the FSC. Foreign counsel would ordinarily not have a right of audience before the court in such matters; however, where a requesting authority wishes, its foreign counsel may be allowed to be present in court but not address the court.
8.4 Presence of Foreign Investigators
While BVI law does not require the presence of foreign investigators in the BVI in relation to a request for legal assistance, it does not prohibit it either. However, where a requesting

authority feels the need to have its investigators present, they must specifically request this at the time of submitting the request for legal assistance. The Governor’s authorisation is required (for law enforcement-related requests) and, where granted, the foreign investigators are allowed to visit the BVI. During the visit, the foreign investigators’ role is limited only to assisting the BVI’s investigators and they cannot take any direct part in the investigations. Such requests as they relate to regulatory matters or tax matters must be addressed to the FSC and the International Tax Authority respectively.
8.5 Requests Sent to the Wrong Central Authority
In rare cases where a request for legal assistance is addressed to and received by the wrong BVI central authority, the request is forwarded to the proper central authority. The requesting authority is then notified of that fact and asked to follow up on the request with the proper central authority. Similarly, it may well be that a request (though very rare) would deal with a subject that permeates more than one central authority. In such a case, a mechanism exists for the request to be processed by the appropriate central authorities, with the original requested authority providing the necessary coordination. The requesting authority would be accordingly notified; this does not affect the required assistance being rendered.
8.6 Requests for Legal Assistance that Lack Relevant Information
In the rare circumstance where a request for legal assistance fails to provide the requisite information to enable assistance to be rendered, the requesting authority is notified to supply the missing information. No action is taken until the missing information is provided. The reason for this is simple: the exercise by the BVI central authorities of the compulsory powers given to them under the relevant enactments are subject to judicial challenge – normally in the form of applications for judicial review – where a deviation occurs in keeping to the requirements of the law. It is therefore imperative that all that is necessary is done to ensure full compliance with the law and thus obviate such a challenge or minimise any costs that may be associated therewith and maintain the integrity of any ongoing enquiries or investigations.
8.7 Resolving Disputes between Central Authorities
In the event that a dispute or disagreement arises between central authorities during the processing of a request for legal assistance, the requesting and requested authorities are encouraged to engage in dialogue to see how best the matter can be resolved within the terms of the relevant agreement. The BVI encourages dialogue between central authorities as a way of maintaining transparency and effective information exchange without compromising the viability of its services.

GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND
EXECUTION OF REQUESTS FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Addressing Requests for Legal Assistance
A request for legal assistance must be properly dated and signed and must emanate from a relevant authority of a country or territory. It is for the requesting authority to satisfy itself that all the requirements specific to a desired request set out herein have been complied with before submitting a request for legal assistance. When all the requisite information has been compiled, then the request may be addressed to:
(a) in the case of a law enforcement matter required to be sent via diplomatic channels:
His Excellency the Governor
Governor’s Office
P.O. Box 702
Road Town, Tortola VG1110
British Virgin Islands
Tel: +284 494 2345
+284 468 3516
Fax: +284 494 5790
Email: bvigovernor@gov.vg
(b) in the case of a law enforcement matter not required to be sent via diplomatic channels:
The Hon. Attorney General
Attorney General’s Chambers th
Floor, TTT Building
P. O. Box 242
Road Town, Tortola VG1110
British Virgin Islands
Tel: +284 468 2960
Fax: +284 468 2983
Email: :mla@gov.vg
(c) in the case of a tax matter
The Director
International Tax Authority
Peace House, Pickering Drive
Road Town, Tortola VG 1110
Virgin Islands
Tel: +284 394-4415
Email: info@bviita.vg

(d) in the case of a request for assistance by a foreign regulatory authority The Managing Director/CEO BVI Financial Services Commission Haycraft Building, Pasea Estate P.O. Box 418 Road Town, Tortola VG1110 British Virgin Islands Tel: +284 494 1324 +284 494 4190 Fax: +284 494 9399 +284 494 5016 Email: commissioner@bvifsc.vg (e) in the case of a request for assistance to the Financial Investigation Agency The Director BVI Financial Investigation Agency nd Floor, Ritter House P.O. Box 4090 Road Town, Tortola VG1110 British Virgin Islands Tel: +284 494 1335 Fax: +284 494 1435 Email: director@bvifia.org (f) in the case of a request for judicial assistance, the request may be sent to either the Attorney General or to the Registrar of the High Court as follows:
The Registrar
High Court Registry
Main Street
P. O. Box 418
Road Town, Tortola VG1110
British Virgin Islands
Tel: +284 494 3492
Fax: +284 494 6664
Email: supremecourt@gov.vg
Re-issued by the Financial Services Commission this 21st day of February, 2025. Sgd: Kenneth Baker Managing Director/CEO BVI Financial Services Commission