The NFIU’s 2025 Annual Report showed that reporting institutions submitted 42,082 suspicious transaction reports during the year, down significantly from more than 82,000 recorded in 2024.
Deposit money banks contributed 38,715 reports, while other financial institutions filed 2,185. Designated non financial businesses and professionals submitted 1,029 reports, with capital market and insurance operators recording 104 and virtual asset providers 49.
The News Chronicle reports that tax crimes and fraud accounted for the largest share of the offences monitored by the agency, representing 30 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. Money laundering followed with 15 per cent, while drug trafficking accounted for 10 per cent.
The NFIU also warned about rising digital fraud, including Ponzi schemes, fake crowdfunding campaigns, cryptocurrency investment scams and hacking.
The agency said identity laundering, involving proxy accounts, pre registered SIM cards and accounts controlled on behalf of others, is also creating challenges for financial investigators.
