I. PREFACE
Global Investment Finance Limited (GIFL) in other to combat any form
of corruption, collusion, coercion, fraud, money laundering
obstruction and terrorist financing within GIFL work group as update
in GIFL’s Anti-Fraud Policy dated 21 August 2020. Direct Investment
Finance Limited (GIFL) has a duty to its stakeholders to take all
responsible steps to prevent fraud occurring, whether perpetrated by
staff, contractors and suppliers, Borrower/Promoters other
organisations or members of the public.
The Direct Investment Finance Limited (GIFL) will maintain robust
control mechanisms to both prevent and detect fraud. All staff member
regardless of position or qualification have a responsibility for
maintaining documented control systems and must be seen to be setting
an example by complying fully with procedures and controls. The
effectiveness of controls will be subject to cyclical review by the
Internal Auditors.
The GIFL conducts investigations stems from:
(i) London Supreme Court of Justice;
(ii) Article 12 of the GIFL Statute;
(iii) GIFL members of the Board of Governors’ Decision of 21 August
2020 concerning GIFL’s operations in the United Kingdom.
Created by the British Ombudsman, the GIFL is an authorised financial
service provider in Europe and Arabian countries functioning under the
laws of England and Wales AND Spain. As such, we operate in accordance
with the British legal framework and GIFL Statute, Article 12 of which
implies that: “In its financing activities, the GIFL shall employed
its funds in the interests of the Group.”
GIFL shall ensure that loans are used according to the agreed purpose.
In this context, GIFL shall endeavor to make sure that its operations
are in line with the GIFL Code of conduct to combat corruption and
fraudulent practices.
Consequently, GIFL will ensure that all prohibited conduct does not
occur, and where it does occur, it will be handled adequately and in a
timely manner. To this point, procedures for investigation shall be
carried out.
In regards to this GIFL will align it's policies with foreign practice:
(i) The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s
Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in
International Business Transactions.
(ii) United Nation
(iii) the COE Criminal Law Convention.
(iv) the FATF.
(iv) the (IFIs) Anti-Corruption Task Force.
All members of staff have a responsibility to protect the assets and
reputation of the company and are expected to be alert to the
potential for fraud. Line managers should brief staff on the common
types of fraud perpetrated in their areas of responsibility.
Confidential mechanisms have been established to allow staff to report
suspected frauds to management. All reported suspicions will initially
be investigated by the Fraud Investigation Group. The members of such
a group may include:
1. The Members of the Board of Directors
2. The Audit Committee
3. Legal Department
4. Secretary
Further investigation can be carried by a notarized body through the
Supreme Court of Justice.
1. Procedure for Fraud Prevention, Detection and Investigation
1.1. Introduction
The Global Investment Funding Limited(GIFL) procedure for fraud
prevention, detection and investigation is set out below.
The objectives of the procedure are to:
1. Encourage staff to be aware of fraud;
2. Bring suspected fraud to notice;
3. Provide a framework response plan for investigating and reporting fraud; and
4. Ensure both alleged and proven fraud are dealt with in a consistent
and timely manner.
The Global Investment Funding Limited(GIFL) has a unique role to play
in the community and any instances of fraud or corruption may be
damaging to public confidence and support. Losses due to fraud, theft
or corrupt practices can have a direct effect on jobs and the level
and quality of service provision. Vigilance is essential since all
staff are responsible for ensuring that the best possible service is
provided to GIFL customers, borrowers, promoters and that value for
money is secured from public funds.
Successful fraud prevention involves creating an environment which
inhibits fraud. Taking immediate and vigorous action if fraud is
detected is not only necessary to prevent future losses, but also
helps deter frauds. An employee who is alert to the possibility of
fraud and who acts accordingly on a day-today basis is a powerful
deterrent against fraud.
1.2. Fraud Prevention
Fraud can be defined as ‘any act of wildful dishonesty to gain
individual or collective advantage’. It is taken to include theft,
misuse of property, corruption, the alteration of financial or other
records or any unauthorised act which results directly or indirectly
in financial gain to the perpetrator or a third party. Fraud can he
perpetrated against an employee, borrower/promoter, suppliers,
Government Agencies or Departments, or the public. Employee should be
aware that gifts, including hospitality, offered by contractors,
suppliers and service providers may place employees in a vulnerable
position.
1.3. Management Responsibility and Risk Management
The prime responsibility for preventing fraud lies with management through:
a. identifying risks to which systems and procedures are exposed;
b. designing, implementing, documenting and operating of internal controls;
c. establishing an environment that promotes compliance with internal controls;
d. promoting fraud awareness amongst staff; and
e. fostering an ‘anti-fraud’ culture.
However, while management committees are responsible for assessing and
controlling the level of risk within their areas of authority, it is
the responsibility of all staff to be aware of fraud and to take the
necessary steps to minimize the risk to the Company.
Managing the risk of fraud is the same in principle as managing any
other business risk. It is best approached systematically both at
organisational and operational level. Managers should identify risk
areas, assess the scale of risk, allocate responsibility for managing
specific risks and implement and test controls to minimize the risks.
Management also have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with
common fraud techniques in areas for which they have control. Managers
should also ensure that staff in their areas of operation are familiar
with common types of fraud.