ARE VISITING LAWYERS SUBJECT TO LOCAL LAWS REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING, AND, IF SO, TO WHAT EXTENT?
There is no specific reference to visiting lawyers. However according to the Article 12 due diligence requirements, any transfer of funds to and from or via Cameroon is regulated by the CEMAC anti money laundering regulations. Moreover visiting lawyers could definitely be subject to national anti money laundering legislation by virtue of national Laws on sovereignty and jurisdiction over offences committed wholly or partially within the country’s jurisdiction since money laundering is a criminal offence according to the CEMAC money laundering regulation. See Articles 7(1) and (2) and 8 (1) of the penal code. However while offences committed in Cameroon by foreigners are covered by the criminal laws, the courts have no jurisdiction to try foreigners unless they are arrested or extradited to Cameroon. See Article 8 of the penal code.
