If a client is suspected of money laundering, which authority is the appropriate unit to contact?

• A. Central Bank's Money Laundering Unit.
• B. Financial Conduct Authority.
• C. National Crime Agency.
• D. Police Fraud Unit.

Answer: (A)

When money laundering is suspected, you must report to the official AML authority that handles suspicious activity and coordinates with law enforcement. The Central Bank’s Money Laundering Unit is the designated channel for receiving, evaluating, and escalating such concerns, and for guiding institutions on how to proceed with reporting and compliance. This unit acts as the primary point of contact for financial institutions dealing with potential AML issues, ensuring information reaches the right authorities and that appropriate actions are taken.

The other options don’t fit as the primary AML reporting channel: the FCA regulates financial services and conduct but isn’t the central AML reporting point; the National Crime Agency is a law enforcement body that may act on AML leads but typically follows information routed through the designated AML unit; the Police Fraud Unit focuses on fraud investigations rather than the AML reporting process.