Reporting an unusual transaction: what, when, how

When you know, suspect or have reasonable grounds to suspect money laundering or terrorist financing, you must report to the financial intelligence unit — in Belgium, CTIF-CFI — promptly, and before completing the transaction where possible.

You may not tip off the client that a report has been or may be made. For lawyers, Belgian law routes certain reports through the Bar, preserving a filtering role; for other professions the report goes directly.

A complete, dated file is your protection: it shows the basis for the decision, whether to report or not. Reporting in good faith carries legal protection; failing to report a clear suspicion does not.