Economic and Financial Crime Bureau’s director steps down

Kevin Davis was appointed in 2021 to head the new bureau, set up to tackle financial crime.

Prior to coming to Guernsey he was chief investigator at the UK’s Serious Fraud Office.

Home Affairs president Rob Prow and the States’ chief operating officer Jason Moriarty thanked him for his efforts and wished him well for the future.

Deputy Prow in particular thanked him for his work establishing the bureau on a statutory footing.

‘This was a significant step and Kevin has helped position the EFCB for its future development.’

Mr Davis said that being the bureau’s first director was a source of pride for him and he had enjoyed his time working in the island.

‘The EFCB is now well established and is set up for the future where its role in supporting the island’s efforts to combat financial crime will be key.’

The former head of the Economic Crime Division in Guernsey, Phil Hunkin, will act as interim director of the EFCB on Mr Davis’ departure while the recruitment process takes place to find a permanent replacement.

The EFCB was launched in June 2021 with the remit to enhance Guernsey’s capacity and effectiveness in tackling economic and financial crime.

It was one of the earliest measures taken in the island's preparations for the island's imminent Moneyval inspection.

The Financial Intelligence Unit, formerly part of Bailiwick Law Enforcement, now falls under the umbrella of the EFCB though retains its operational independence.

It serves as the enforcement response to the threats and risks Guernsey faces as a global financial hub.

It is an independently-led entity and has a mandate to investigate serious and economic crime, money laundering and the proceeds of unlawful conduct.

Mr Davis' departure comes as the island is poised to accept inspectors from Moneyval within the next few weeks to investigate the island's anti-money laundering capabilities.