The threat of financial crime in Jersey by overseas criminals is “significant”, a government report has found.

The National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering is the first study of its kind and has been made public by the Government of Jersey.

It found there was “no clear expression” on how to investigate or prosecute white-collar crime in the island.

Twenty-two recommendations have been made in response to the findings.

The report states that the greatest risk in Jersey comes from non-residents “seeking to hide the proceeds of corruption”.

It said the “beneficiary” of the island’s financial structure was linked to jurisdictions “where corruption is endemic”.

India, Kenya, Russia, UK and the USA were identified as posing the greatest threat of financial crime.

‘No cooperation’

The report states Jersey’s Financial Crime Strategy Group had not developed “an overarching policy or strategy on tackling financial crime” and had failed to play “a proactive role” in determining how anti-money laundering resources could be used.

A number of examples outlined in the report did not end in prosecution, despite suspicions from Jersey authorities of criminal activity.

In 2015, payments to prominent public figures in Africa were made through a Jersey bank to solicit sensitive information from government officials, other prominent individuals and a journalist in the continent, the report said.